Body of one missing worker found in Gulf

NEW ORLEANS — Divers hired by the owner of an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico that caught fire recovered a body near the site Saturday evening, according to the U. S. Coast Guard and the rig’s owner.

Coast Guard spokesman Carlos Vega said late Saturday that the unidentifi ed person was found by divers hired by Houston- based Black Elk Energy who were inspecting the platform. Vega said the Coast Guard was turning over the remains to local authorities.

John Hoffman, the president and CEO of Black Elk Energy, said in an email Saturday that the body is that of one of two crew members missing since an explosion and fire on the oil platform Friday. Hoffman said the body was found by a contracted dive vessel.

“Divers will continue to search for the second missing worker,” Hoffman wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.”

The news came shortly after the Coast Guard suspended a search for the two missing workers that covered 1,400 square miles near the oil platform, located about 20 miles southeast of Grand Isle, La.

Four other workers who were severely burned remained at Baton Rouge General Medical Center.

Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Bobby Nash said the Guard’s search was ended Saturday evening. Helicopters and a fixed- wing aircraft had been searching by air, while cutters and boat crews searched the sea.

The blaze erupted Friday morning while workers were using a torch to cut an oil line on the oil platform.

Four workers were severely burned, though Black Elk Energy spokeswoman Leslie Hoffman said their burns were not as extensive as initially feared.

Officials at Baton Rouge General Medical Center said Saturday that two men remained in critical condition, while two men remained in serious condition.