HOUMA, La. – The Unified Command here has recalled the vessels of opportunity operating in Breton Sound, La., after four crewmembers reported health problems Wednesday afternoon.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., crewmembers of three vessels reported experiencing nausea, dizziness, headaches and chest pains. One individual was medevaced by air to West Jefferson Hospital in Marrero, La., another was transported to the same facility via boat, and two were transported via ambulance. The other crewmembers refused treatment at the dock. As a precautionary measure, the Unified Command directed all 125 of the commercial vessels that had been outfitted with equipment for oil recovery operations in the Breton Sound area, to return to their temporary accommodations in Breton Sound where medical personnel were being dispatched to evaluate the remaining crewmembers as an additional precaution.
“No other personnel are reporting symptoms, but we are taking this action as an extreme safeguard,” said Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Robinson Cox, the assistant safety officer at Incident Command Post Houma.
The Coast Guard, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, and safety officers from BP are investigating the incident.
Key contact numbers
Report oiled shoreline or request volunteer information: (866) 448-5816
Submit alternative response technology, services or products: (281) 366-5511
Submit your vessel for the Vessel of Opportunity Program: (281) 366-5511
Submit a claim for damages: (800) 440-0858
Report oiled wildlife: (866) 557-1401
Deepwater Horizon Incident
Joint Information Center
Phone: (985) 902-5231
(985) 902-5240
