USCG Ends Search for Man Missing after Platform Explosion
Image Courtesy: USCGThe search for the man who was unaccounted for after an explosion on an oil platform in Lake Pontchartrain near Kenner, Louisiana, has been suspended, according to US Coast Guard.
After saturating the search area using multiple resources and assets, rescuers suspended the search for Morrison at 7:15 pm local time on October 16.
The authorities identified the missing man as Timothy Morrison, 44, of Katy, Texas.
“The decision to suspend a search is never an easy one,” said Cmdr. Zac Ford. “We send our thoughts and prayers to the Morrison family and all those affected by this incident.”
The explosion on the oil platform occurred in the evening hours of October 15. At the time, there were eight people aboard the platform, owned by Clovelly Oil Co. USCG confirmed that the fire was extinguished on Monday morning.
Coast Guard pilots from Air Station New Orleans flew over the area and reported no visible signs of pollution. Relevant authorities will continue to monitor the area for any potential pollution.
The workers were reportedly conducting cleaning tasks on the platform’s pipes when the incident started.
Louisiana State Police HAZMAT Division is investigating the cause of the explosion.
