http://www.wwl.com/pages/14807126.ph...entId=11845836
The U.S. Coast Guard in New Orleans says an offshore platform is burning in the Gulf of Mexico.
A spokesman tells WWL Radio the Coast Guard has activated a command center to investigate the incident, described as "an explosion and fire."
Jefferson Parish Councilman Chris Roberts tells WWL-TV the facility in question is a shallow water platform located in West Delta Block 32 in the Gulf of Mexico.
According to officials, the oil and gas platform is located 20 miles south of Grand Isle. The Coast Guard spokesman says Black Elk Energy is the "establishing company."
Coast Guard Captain Peter Gautier says 28 people were believed to be aboard the facility at the time. Gautier says the platform was not in active production.
Another Coast Guard spokesman says four workers have been taken from the platform by medivac and two workers are missing.