An explosion tore through an oil production platform in the Gulf of Mexico last Friday, igniting a fire and leaving at least 11 people injured, according to authorities. Rescue efforts are currently underway to locate two crew members who remain missing.

The explosion occurred approximately 20 miles off the coast of Grand Isle, Louisiana, on a platform operated by Black Elk Energy, a Houston-based company. Unlike the infamous 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, this platform was being used for production, not drilling. Coast Guard Response Division Chief Ed Cubanski confirmed that around 28 gallons of fuel were spilled in the area, resulting in a half-mile oil sheen near the platform.

Following the explosion, the Coast Guard deployed rescue planes and helicopters to search for the missing crew members. The 11 injured individuals were airlifted off the platform, with four critically injured crew members transported to West Jefferson Medical Center in Louisiana. These critically injured workers were later scheduled for transfer to the Baton Rouge General Burn Center once their conditions stabilized.

Nine other crew members were safely evacuated from the platform without injury. Black Elk Energy spokespersons have since confirmed that the fire was extinguished, though federal authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the explosion.

The Incident’s Timing and Industry Concerns

This explosion occurred just a day after the U.S. Department of Justice announced that BP would plead guilty to manslaughter charges related to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and subsequent oil spill, a disaster that claimed 11 lives and released millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf. As part of its plea agreement, BP agreed to pay $4.5 billion in fines and penalties.

The incident highlights the dangers inherent in the oil industry, which has a fatality rate significantly higher than the national average. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the fatality rate for oil and gas workers is 15.8 deaths per 100,000 employees—nearly five times the national average across industries. In 2011, 11 workers died in the oil and gas sector, with most deaths being accidental.

Criminal charges are rarely filed in such cases, and the manslaughter charges brought against BP and two of its employees in relation to the Deepwater Horizon disaster are considered highly unusual. According to the AFL-CIO, only a small percentage of workplace fatalities in the U.S. result in criminal prosecutions, despite the often hazardous nature of these industries.

Legal Support for Injured Workers and Families

The explosion on the Black Elk Energy platform serves as a reminder of the ongoing dangers faced by workers in the oil industry. When such accidents occur, it’s critical that workers and their families are aware of their legal rights, including the right to pursue compensation for injuries or loss of life.

At Boatlaw LLC, we specialize in maritime personal injury cases, including those involving merchant seamen, fishermen, longshoremen, and oil rig workers. With over three decades of experience, our firm is dedicated to representing injured workers and the families of those lost at sea. Our attorneys are available for free consultations, without obligation, to help injured maritime workers understand their rights and legal options.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us at 1-800-BOATLAW (262-8529) or visit our website at www.boatlaw.com.