Second Oil Rig Overturns Near Morgan City Louisiana: Drilling Rig

A Second Oil Rig is Being Reported to have Overturned Near Morgan City in Louisiana

According to sources at The United States Coast Guard, a second oil drilling rig has overturned on Friday April 30 near Morgan City Louisiana (map) and the Coast Guard and authorities are responding to the incident. 

The drilling rig is a mobile inland drilling unit (MIDU) and it is located in the Charenton navigational canal, which is south of Highway 90. 

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The rig is not leaking fuel at this time according to the Coast Guard and while the rig has the capacity to hold about 200,000 gallons of fuel, it is not known how much was on board at the time of the incident. However, in case the oil does start leaking, a barrier made of booms has been set up around the perimeter of the rig, about 500 feet of boom, and another 500 feet is on its way to provide back up.

It is not known what caused this rig to overturn and although no injuries have been reported, authorities are checking out the area thoroughly to make sure everyone is safe.

There is not traffic allowed around the rig for 1,000 yards on either side unless you have special permission from the Captain of the Port.

This incident of course comes hot on the heels of the oil leaking from the Deepwater Horizon that is rapidly approaching the Louisiana coast and threatening wildlife and fish stocks.

We will update this post when we know more information.