East Cameron 60; Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana

Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana | 1999-Apr-09

Initial Notification: On Friday afternoon, 9 April, the NOAA SSC was notified by MSO Port Arthur of a well blow-out in the Gulf of Mexico. A USCG HH-65 from Houston was in route for SAR and preliminary assessment. The platform, East Cameron 60 is located at Lat. 29? 23.0 N Long. 92? 48.0 W and off the Louisiana coast. The initial report was only that a well blow-out had occurred and that the rig was evacuated and on fire. At least one burn injury was reported. The production was primarily natural gas and condensate. Condensate is oil co-produced in a natural gas well and can vary greatly in composition. In response, NOAA HAZMAT began to develop initial trajectory information should a significant or prolong release of oil occur and continue to gather information related to the type of oil produced. The preliminary tactical trajectory indicated that any significant release would be transported NW toward Cameron, LA (a distance of approximately 35 miles). Landfall could be anticipated in two days. USCG district 8. Keyword: none.