1968:

CGC Point Verde reported that she had received a call from the Chevron Oil Company in Venice, LA reporting that an oil rig, approximately 25 miles east of Grant Isle, LA had a blowout and was on fire.  The exact number of persons on board the rig at this time was unknown.  Two Coast Guard helicopters and CGC Point Sal were dispatched.  Several private vessels and oil company helicopters were already on the scene.  A CG helicopter transported three injured persons to the US Public Health Service Hospital in New Orleans and several oil company helicopters transported persons to other hospitals.  The Coast Guard helicopter returned to the scene and along with Point Sal, a 53-footer, and another CG helicopter conducted a search for persons in the water.  The number of persons on board was determined to be 33 with 23 definitely accounted for, five confirmed missing, and five reported accounted for, but not confirmed.  Two people were known dead with 12 having been hospitalized.