Fire Breaks Out on Oil & Gas Platform in the Gulf of Mexico
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Around 2 a.m. this morning, a fire broke out on the Shell Enchilada Platform, which was located 100 miles south of the Vermillion Bay. The fire was first reported to Coast Guard Sector New Orleans watchstanders at 1:20 a.m. It has been reported that two workers were injured in the blaze and more than three dozen workers were evacuated off the rig. More than 45 people were aboard at the time of the fire.
The two men who were injured include a 54-year-old worker who sustained flash burns and a concussion, as well as a 29-year-old worker who sprained his wrist and suffered a concussion. Both of them were medevaced in an emergency helicopter to Galveston and then transferred to the University of Texas Medical Branch.
The platform, along with associated production, has been shut down in the wake of the fire. The fire has since been contained to a small flame and a light sheen has been reported on the water north of the platform.
Currently, the cause of the fire is unknown. Both the BSEE and Coast Guard are investigating.
“No harm to people or the environment is ever acceptable and Shell deeply regrets that this incident occurred,” said the company in a released statement.