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Interview with rescue Captain and photos of HORIZON rig explosion

Yesterday (Saturday April 24th, 2010) I had the pleasure of speaking with the captain of a small charter fishing vessel which was in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 15 miles from the DEEPWATER HORIZON site at the time of the fire and explosion. This vessel was the second vessel to respond to the incident and it hurried to the site to help the rig workers.

Captain Scott Russell was in the Gulf for a night of tuna fishing when he saw an enormous fire ball about 15 miles in the distance. He turned to his friend Bradley who was also fishing with him on the vessel and commented that something was not right. Several seconds later they both heard a loud ‘boom’. They immediately started running their boat towards the scene and they monitored the radio. They actually heard the calls of abandoning ship from the HORIZON.

They stayed around the rig site for several hours helping the Coast Guard and other vessels help rig workers out of the water. When asked what surprised them most, they commented that the heat from the rig fire was tremendous and they had trouble getting the vessel close to the rig. They also noticed many smaller ‘explosions’ going off as the rig burned.

These men voluntarily rushed to the site to help in any way they could. They stayed close by without knowing what could happen, and they helped many rig workers out of the water. Clearly they stepped up and this tragedy brought out the best in them trying to help others. (And if anyone is thinking we should thank these guys, don't worry, I did several times).

Bradley took several photos which are below.

photos of deepwater horizon

In an effort to provide immediate information to those who may have been affected by the DEEPWATER HORIZON accident, we have made a pdf copy of our book available for instant download by email. Simply enter your email address below and we will instantly email you a copy of our Employee's Guide to Maritime Injury Law.