Coast Guard Rescues 2 After Latest Oil Rig Fire in Gulf
On the morning of March 6, the United States Coast Guard responded to reports of an oil production platform on fire approximately 50 miles off Grande Isle in the Gulf of Mexico.
The response resulted in the rescue of two men who had been aboard the platform, but who abandoned the burning structure in a life capsule. According to the Coast Guard, the men were recovered from the capsule by a good Samaritan vessel. From there, the men were hoisted aboard a rescue helicopter and taken ashore for medical treatment.
The blaze occurred aboard the GI 102A production rig owned by Arena Energy, according to a Coast Guard news release. Arena said the platform had been shut down some two weeks earlier and was not in active production. The Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement dispatched personnel to the site in order to verify the status of the wells and the platform, and to investigate the cause of the fire.
Fortunately there were no initial reports of any oil spill or other environmental pollution associated with the event.
The fire aboard the idled production rig vividly reflects the perils facing maritime workers each day.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an oil rig or other maritime accident, the aggressive maritime accident trial attorneys of Arnold & Itkin LLP will work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Our law firm secured more than $100 million in verdicts or settlements for our clients in 2009.
If you have any questions regarding a maritime incident or have suffered a maritime injury, contact a maritime attorney online at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation or call our maritime law office toll free at 866-222-2606.
