Transocean Ltd.’s semi-submersible oil rig Deep Horizon sank Thursday in the Gulf of Mexico, after an explosion followed by a fire left 11 crew members missing. Fears are increasing that the missing staff members didn’t make it off the platform, say officials, as are concerns that the sinking rig could cause a serious oil spill.
“The combined response team was not able to stem the flow of hydrocarbons prior to the rig sinking,” said Transocean in a press release.
The Coast Guard is continuing its search for the missing persons, officials said.
Deep Horizon caught fire on Tuesday night around 10 p.m. Central Time, with an explosion that put the lives of 126 people in jeopardy. The rig was located 41 miles off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to 11 missing staff, seven people were injured by the blast and subsequent fire.
“The combined response team was not able to stem the flow of hydrocarbons prior to the rig sinking,” said Transocean in a press release.
The Coast Guard is continuing its search for the missing persons, officials said.
Deep Horizon caught fire on Tuesday night around 10 p.m. Central Time, with an explosion that put the lives of 126 people in jeopardy. The rig was located 41 miles off the coast of Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to 11 missing staff, seven people were injured by the blast and subsequent fire.