Crewmembers Had Little Time To React When the Deepwater Horizon Burst Into Flames

It is hard to imagine what it must have been like for the crewmembers aboard the Deepwater Horizon, which exploded in the Gulf of Mexico just last week.  Harrowing tales have begun to surface regarding the event and what the survivors had to contend with.

As soon as the blast occurred, there was little time to react.  Crewmembers had to take immediate action, as battery-powered lighting illuminated the offshore rig.  They were told that they had to evacuate and abandon the ship.

Even though it is one’s hope that something like this never happens, these crewmembers were prepared for such an event.  They knew what actions needed to be taken, as crewmembers boarded lifeboats, which were promptly lowered to the water.  Some workers weren’t able to get to the boats fast enough and did what they could to survive.  They jumped into the water that was about 80 feet below.  As a result, there were numerous broken bones reported.

Once the boats were in the water, the search continued for workers.  Men were pulled out of the water near the rig that was now engulfed in flames.  There were reports that some of the plastic fittings on the lifeboats melted due to the immense heat from the fire.

While 115 workers made it to safety, 11 have been unaccounted for.  Our prayers continue to go out to these missing workers and their families.