Update on November 16, 2024
Black Elk Energy Offshore Energy Operations, LLC is fully cooperating with the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement ("BSEE") in its investigation of the explosion and fire that occurred on its West Delta 32 platform November 16, 2012. Black Elk Energy has received BSEE's report of its investigation into the incident and will be carefully reviewing it over the coming weeks.
"Black Elk Energy always has in its thoughts and prayers the victims of this tragic accident last November" said John Hoffman, Black Elk Energy's President and CEO.
In August 2013 ABS Consulting ("ABSG"), a third party investigator retained by Black Elk Energy, concluded that on the day of the incident workers were welding a flange on open piping leading to an oil tank that contained flammable vapors. The piping had not been isolated and made safe for welding activities as required by Black Elk Energy safe work practices. The ABSG report further found that flammable vapors in the piping ignited, and within seconds reached the three oil tanks. The welding work was performed under contract by Grand Isle Shipyard. At the time of the incident, the platform production was shut in and no oil was flowing to or through the platform.
The workers involved in the incident were from the Philippines. Hoffman said "Over the past year Black Elk Energy has worked to provide support for the victims and their families and cooperated with government officials to analyze the causes of the incident, and to implement policy and procedural improvements to minimize the risk of similar incidents in the future."
Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations, LLC (www.blackelkenergy.com) is an independent oil and gas company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The Company's seasoned industry executives have extensive oil exploitation experience and knowledge with a demonstrated track record of increasing reserves and production. Our team of professionals is dedicated to performing to the highest industry standards, operating within regulatory requirements, and maintaining its stance as a good corporate citizen.
