HOUSTON — The Coast Guard responded to a fire aboard the High Island 264, a gas-compressor plant 90 miles southeast of Galveston, shortly after 10 p.m. last night.
The Coast Guard Cutter Manta arrived on scene early this morning and reported that the fire was out. Additionally, an over flight this morning reported a light sheen around the plant, but no extensive pollution.
Coast Guard Sector Houston – Galveston received a call reporting that a small fire had caused an explosion. All 39 crewmembers aboard the plant were evacuated safely by the offshore supply vessel Gulf Endeavor, which was tied up at a platform nearby.
Crew members reported that the plant’s emergency shut off switch was engaged upon evacuation.
After the plant is deemed safe for re-boarding, the Coast Guard will investigate the cause of the fire and explosion.
