"Gulf Rig Partially Collapses as Fire Rages" -- Relief Well Mulled

"A Gulf of Mexico drilling rig has partially collapsed off the coast of Louisiana after catching fire because of a ruptured natural gas well, U.S. regulators said on Wednesday."



"Firefighters are continuing to tackle the blaze, which broke out after a blowout on the Hercules 265 natural gas platform at around 10:45 p.m. local time Monday.

Eileen Angelico, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, said no one was on board when the fire started and it was not known what sparked it."

Christopher Nelson and Henry Austin report for NBC News July 24, 2013.

SEE ALSO:

"Drilling Rig Collapsing Offshore Louisiana" (UPI)

"Gulf Rig Partially Collapses in Fire Off Louisiana: U.S. Government" (Reuters)

"Drilling Rig on Fire, Begins To Collapse; Relief Well To Be Drilled" (WWL-TV)

"Experts: Gas in Gulf Blowout Is Less Damaging" (AP)

"Rig Blowout: Gulf of Mexico Natural Gas Well Catches Fire" (Christian Science Monitor)

Hercules Well Application (BSEE)

"Walter Oil: Still Investigating What Caused Loss of Well Control" (Wall St. Journal)

"Natural Gas Fire Continues To Burn After Well Blowout" (Los Angeles Times)

Source: NBC News, 07/25/2013