Search Suspended for Missing GofM Rig-fire Victims

The Coast Guard suspends the search for two missing crewmembers, following the Black Elk platform explosion and fire.

US Coast Guard crews searched a 1,400 square-mile area in the Gulf of Mexico around Grand Isle for more than 32 hours in an effort to locate the two missing crewmembers.

Coast Guard resources used in the search effort:
    •    The 87-foot Coast Guard Cutters Pelican and Razorbill;
    •    Three response boatcrews from Coast Guard Stations Grand Isle and Venice;
    •    Three HC-144 Ocean Sentry fixed-wing aircraft crews and three MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews
    •    Two MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has established a team to investigate Friday's explosion and fire. The seven-member investigative team includes safety inspectors, engineers, safety management investigators, and law enforcement experts. The investigation report will include recommendations for initiatives to prevent a similar accident in the future.

Later owners of the rig stated that one body had been recovered by divers hired by the company.