An oil drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico caught fire and partially collapsed as the result of a ruptured natural gas well 55 miles offshore, according to U.S. regulators. Luckily, fire detectors went off and those aboard were able to evacuate on life boats.
Multiple news outlets reported that the rig became enflamed following a blowout on the Hercules 265 natural gas platform. Forty-seven workers were forced to evacuate the drilling rig and no injuries were reported.
Under direction from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, the Walter Oil & Gas Corporation will move a jack-up rig to drill a relief well in an effort to stabilize the rig and prevent another fire.
The BSEE has consulted with experts from Wild Well Control to determine ways to improve fire suppression practices and prevent future disasters. In accordance with the Coast Guard, the BSEE surveyed the fire from the air to view the damage.
This comes three years after the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico. Those at the BSEE want to ensure that all rigs have the proper flame detectors onboard to prevent future outbreaks of a similar magnitude.
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