Early contradiction arise after Vermilion 380 oil rig explosion
Several hours after the Vermilion 380 oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico a number of contradiction have arisen. Mariner Energy, owner of the Vermilion 380 oil rig, released a statement indicating there were no injuries and that an initial flyover showed no oil leaking from the platform rig. However, several hours later, the Associated Press reported mile long oil sheen was clearly visible surrounding the Vermilion 380 site.
Other early reports said that the Vermilion 380 oil rig was a production platform and did not produce oil. New reports by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal and the Associated Press say that seven active oil wells were in the Vermilion Block 380 where the oil rig explosion occurred and that the Vermilion 380 was producing oil at the time of the explosion.
Mariner Energy reported to Governor Jindal that the active wells were shut in to prevent oil leakage. According to the New Orleans Times/Picayune, a homeland security report states that the Vermilion 380 oil rig was producing oil and quotes Coast Guard Petty Officer Bill Coklough as describing the oil sheen visible as measuring approximately 100 feet wide.
According to NOLA, Mariner Energy has dispatched three firefighting vessels to extinguish the fire.
It is unclear how many workers were injured, or if Mariner Energy was correct in their statement that no one has been injured, however, all 13 people have been transferred by helicopter to the Terrebonne General Medical Center for examination.
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