Jack-Up Rig; Timbalier Bay, Louisiana

Timbalier Bay, Louisiana | 1998-Sep-11

Initial Notification: NOAA HAZMAT was notified at 1330 PDT that the jack-up rig R.E. Thibodeaux was adrift in the Gulf of Mexico, south of Timbalier Bay, Louisiana. The initial reported location was 28?59'N, 090?15'W at 1300 CDT. The rig is reported to be dragging one of its "legs" and there is concern that it could damage submerged pipelines in the area. No pollution has been reported but strong winds, rough seas, and torrential rain in the Gulf of Mexico as a result of Tropical Storm Francis have restricted overflights and access to the rig. The NOAA SSC has been notified and is standing by and an initial verbal trajectory and weather forecast have been prepared. USCG district 8. Keyword: potential spill.