Spills

Elf exploration rig; south timbalier block 38

NOAAORR-6839

issued
1991-10-14 00:00Z
status
cancelled 1991-10-28 00:00Z
self-cancels
1991-10-28 00:00Z
authority
NOAA OR&R
sea
Gulf of Mexico
position
28.935, -90.308
source
incidentnews · first seen 2026-09-03 15:09Z

Original warning text

Elf Exploration Rig; South Timbalier Block 38.
South Timbalier Block 38.
1. At approximately 0730, on October 14, 1991, an offshore oil rig owned by ELF Exploration of Houston, Texas released approximately 300 barrels of South Louisiana crude into the Gulf of Mexico off Louisiana. This release was reportedly caused by a mechanical malfunction. A U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) overflight at 1330 observed a light rainbow sheen with some mousse covering a seven- by three-mile area. This sheen was located about four and a half miles south of the Barrier Islands on the Louisiana Coast. The patch appeared to be moving north at approximately 0.5 knots. The winds were out of the south at 10 to 15 knots, and forecast to swing to the north during the evening hours. USCG district 8. Keyword: none.
2. COMMODITY: SOUTH LOUISIANA CRUDE. MAXIMUM POTENTIAL RELEASE: 12600 GALLONS.
3. POSITION 28.935N 090.308W. NOAA INCIDENTNEWS 6839: https://incidentnews.noaa.gov/incident/6839

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Timeline · 2 messages since 1991-10-14 · closed 1991-10-28

  1. Elf exploration rig; south timbalier block 38 this message1991-10-14 → 1991-10-28
  2. South timbalier block 38; louisiana coast1991-10-14 → 1991-10-28

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