Barring an overnight miracle, the search for 11 workers missing for more than 48 hours after an oil rig explosion was expected to be called off early today as two drilling companies and the federal government marshal resources to contain leaking oil after the burning rig sank Thursday in the Gulf of Mexico, creating what an industry official said "has the potential to be a major spill."Working on a rig in the Gulf of Mexico or any offshore waters is not for the faint of heart. The potential for a dangerous accident is quite high. The Gulf provides around 25% of the US oil supply.
Hope for survivors dimmed Thursday as some of the 115 rescued crew members said the missing workers may have been near the Tuesday night explosion on the Deepwater Horizon rig about 45 miles southeast of the Mississippi River's mouth, said Rear Adm. Mary Landry, commander of the Coast Guard's 8th District.
With a water temperature of 67 degrees, the probability of finding survivors had diminished to almost zero by Thursday afternoon, Landry said.
Please pray for the missing workers and for their families and friends.
Pray also that the leaks in the sunken rig can be contained and not lead to a major oil spill.
Prayers offered. I have felt awful every time I hear an update on this event.
ReplyDeletePaul, I waited to post in hopes that good news about the missing would come in, but it seems it's not to be.
ReplyDelete(My neighbor and my nephew have both worked on these off-shore rigs in the Gulf. After a few years--despite the good pay, they quit because of the dangers....)
ReplyDeleteThe families and loved ones of all those missing are and will remain in my prayers.
Spare a thought for all those who do dangerous jobs--rig workers, fishermen, firemen, and the like.
ReplyDeleteIT, yes indeed! I think of the recent mine disaster.
ReplyDeletePrayers for the missing crew, their families, and for all who work in such a dangerous occupation.
ReplyDeletePrayers for all from me.
ReplyDeleteSo much of our life is supported by work that is dirty, difficult, and dangerous. Thanks for lifting up the people who died in this horrible accident.
ReplyDeleteMy God!
ReplyDeleteIf that pic of the rig engulfed in flame is not a vision of hell, I don't know what is!
Prayers for the workers and their families.
ReplyDelete