Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Military

Gulf Rig Fire: 4 In Hospital, 2 May Be Missing

A Black Elk Energy oil rig.
Black Elk Energy
A Black Elk Energy oil rig.

Coast Guard officials said an oil rig exploded off the coast of Louisiana, sending four people to hospitals Friday. Two others were believed to be missing.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Lally, a spokesman for the Coast Guard, did not immediately have information on the conditions of those taken to hospitals.

The rig, a production platform owned by Black Elk Energy, is about 25 miles southeast of Grand Isle, La.

Advertisement

There was no immediate word if any oil had spilled from the platform.

Lally says two helicopters, an airplane and small boats were sent to the area. He did not know if the fire caused by the explosion had been put out yet.

The platform is a production platform, unlike the Deepwater Horizon rig, which was drilling an exploratory well for oil giant BP in mile-deep water well to the east of Friday's reported explosion.

A spokesman for Black Elk Energy could not immediately be reached for comment.

Black Elk is an independent oil and gas company headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Advertisement

The company's website says it holds interests in properties in Texas and Louisiana waters, including 854 wells on 155 platforms.

A big decision awaits some voters this July as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.