Elf Exploration Rig; South Timbalier Block 38

South Timbalier Block 38 | 1991-Oct-14

Initial Notification: At approximately 0730, on October 14, 1991, an offshore oil rig owned by ELF Exploration of Houston, Texas released approximately 300 barrels of South Louisiana crude into the Gulf of Mexico off Louisiana. This release was reportedly caused by a mechanical malfunction. A U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) overflight at 1330 observed a light rainbow sheen with some mousse covering a seven- by three-mile area. This sheen was located about four and a half miles south of the Barrier Islands on the Louisiana Coast. The patch appeared to be moving north at approximately 0.5 knots. The winds were out of the south at 10 to 15 knots, and forecast to swing to the north during the evening hours. USCG district 8. Keyword: none.