NEW ORLEANS – Coast Guard crews are searching for two missing crewmembers following a platform fire approximately 20 miles southeast of Grand Isle, Friday morning.
The 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Razorbill was relieved by the 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Pelican in the search at approximately 4 a.m.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Aviation Training Center Mobile, Ala., is leading the aerial search. The Coast Guard will continue to search with an HC-144 Ocean Sentry fixed-wing aircraft crew from Aviation Training Center Mobile, Ala., and two MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews from Air Station New Orleans.
The Coast Guard is searching approximately a 1,400 square-mile area around the platform.
The cause of the incident is under investigation by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement and the Coast Guard will assist as needed.
For any additional information regarding the Black Elk Energy-owned platform, contact Leslie Hoffman at 281-513-0512.