GIWW Well Blowout; Louisiana

Louisiana | 1994-Jul-10

Initial Notification: At approximately 0330 July 8, 1994 a natural gas well 4 miles west of Intracoastal City, LA lost control and began releasing a fog like plume consisting of salt water, natural gas and distillate. The well is located in a dead end slip 400 yards south of the intracoastal, see initial report. During initial attempts to control the well, uncontrolled downhole pressure release was experienced (a kick). The slip was boomed and it was estimated 10 barrels of distillate were in the slip, none in the Intracoastal Waterway. The evening of July 8 a new plan was submitted to control the well which included moving in a fire prevention barge. July 9 preparations for the well capping were proceeding. Three firefighting barges were being moved into place. Well control experts approached the well and sprayed a fog of foam and water for 10 minutes to reduce the treat of explosion prior to a plugging attempt. Workers were on the rig for approximately 3 minutes when at1311 the well ignited and exploded. The source of ignition has not yet been determined. The explosion led to the deaths of two people and the hospitalization of four others. The well is currently spewing clear to orange flames 100 feet in the air. There has been a continual rain in the area. An estimated 100 barrels of a light sweet crude had been in the water. A 10 knot south wind has aided in the recovery operations of the crude. No pollution has been seen outside the slip. Preparations for capping the well and recovery of all distillates are proceeding. The NOAA SSC has left the site, however, will continue with scientific support. USCG district 8.