Oil rig explodes in Gulf of Mexico

VERMILION BAY, LA (WAFB) - The Coast Guard is responding to another oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico.

According to the Coast Guard, 13 people were onboard when it exploded and caught fire Thursday morning.

Everyone is accounted for. Officials are reporting one injury.

The injured worker is being taken to Terrebonne General Medical Center in Houma.

The other workers are in the water in immersion suits.

The rig is located about 90 miles south of Vermilion Bay.

Rescue choppers from New Orleans and Houston are responding.

The explosion happened around 9:30 a.m. and as of 10:30 a.m. it was still on fire.

Coast Guard officials said they do not yet know if there is any type of leak associated with this explosion.

They said there are reports it was not actively producing product, but they will investigate whether there is any type of environmental impact.

The rig is known as "Vermilion 398."

The rig is owned by Mariner Energy, which is based in Houston, and is in water about 2,500 feet deep.

The company has an office in Lafayette.

This recent explosion is west of the one that happened on April 20 which caused a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.