UPDATE: Oil rig platform explosion occurred in shallow waters

According to an update from NYT, the Mariner Energy’s Vermilion Rig 380 that just exploded in Gulf waters was located at a water depth of 340 feet – much shallower than BP’s Deepwater Horizon rig, which had been operating at a depth of over 5,000 feet below the water’s surface.

CNN reports that a statement from Mariner Energy asserts, “Mariner has notified and is working with regulatory authorities in response to this incident. The cause is not known, and an investigation will be undertaken. During the last week of August 2010, production from this facility averaged approximately 9.2 million cubic feet of natural gas per day and 1,400 barrels of oil and condensate.”

All 13 platform evacuees have been taken to a hospital in Houma, La.

This incident underscores the terrible risks of oil drilling – regardless of the depth at which drilling occurs – and the need for the Senate to pass critical legislation to protect our wildlife and prevent the next catastrophe. Here’s what you can do:

Write a letter to the editor. The House of Representatives has passed legislation to help protect our wildlife by improving safety and accountability in offshore drilling, but the Senate has yet to act. Help encourage your senators to act by writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.

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