BSEE: Gas Leak at ‘Rowan Louisiana’ Rig. Workers Evacuated

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the Coast Guard are responding to a loss of well control event at Vermilion Block 356 in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 108 miles southwest of Lafayette, Louisiana.

The operator, EnVen, reported that it was drilling from the jack-up rig, Rowan Louisiana, when the well began to flow natural gas. The flow has been diverted overboard and work continues to shut-in the well. No visible sheen has been reported.

The rig was jacked-up over the A-Platform, which was producing oil and gas. All production was shut-in and remains shut-in. As a precaution, personnel onboard the platform were evacuated. No injuries have been reported.

Coast Guard launched an HU-25 Falcon crew to assess the situation. BSEE is leading a coordinated response with the Coast Guard and will continue to provide updates as they become available. BSEE will investigate the incident