Status Update on Incident at Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations, LLC’s West Delta 32 Platform

Yesterday, Friday, November 16, Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations, LLC, reported a construction site incident and fire on the company's platform located at West Delta 32 Block, located in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 17 miles southeast of Grand Isle, La.

The incident was promptly reported to local and federal emergency response agencies and an evacuation and rescue effort was started immediately. Of the workers who were on the platform at the time, two remain missing and four are still being treated in local hospitals. Non-stop search and rescue efforts continue for the missing two workers. US Coast Guard vessels and aircraft, assisted by company personnel, have been systematically searching the area since yesterday morning. This morning, John Hoffman, President and CEO, along with a team of safety and investigative personnel, helicoptered to the platform in order to conduct a first-hand evaluation of the site.

The company continues to cooperate closely with all state and federal agencies. As reported yesterday, this platform was not in operation and had been shut in since mid-August. According to visual reports from this morning, there is no visible sheen in the vicinity of the platform. At this time, every effort is being made to locate the two missing workers.

The company deeply appreciates the expressions of prayer and support. Our total focus is on the missing workers and the proper care and attention for the injured and their families. As more information becomes available, further updates will be provided.

Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations, LLC:   West Delta, 16, November 2012

Houston, TX – 16 November 2012

Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations, LLC confirmed that a fire ignited Friday morning on the company’s platform located at West Delta 32 Block, located in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 17 miles southeast of Grand Isle, La. There were 22 workers on the platform at the time of the incident. Two individuals have yet to be accounted for and an aggressive search and rescue effort is underway. Nine workers were injured and are now being treated at a number of hospitals in the New Orleans area. Eleven workers were safely evacuated.

The National Response Center, U.S. Coast Guard and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement were promptly notified of the incident. The fire was extinguished within an hour. The United States Coast Guard confirmed following an over flight that there is no visible sheen. The production platform has been shut in since mid-August.

“Working in cooperation with Federal and local officials, we are doing everything we know to recover the injured workers,” said CEO John Hoffman. “This is a heartbreaking event. Our total focus at this moment is to find the missing workers and care for the injured. We will not let anything stand in the way of these priorities.”

About Black Elk Energy
Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations, LLC is an independent oil and gas company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The Company’s seasoned industry executives have extensive exploitation experience and knowledge with a unique demonstrated track record of increasing reserves and production while lowering costs. Our team of professionals is dedicated to performing to the highest industry standards, operating within and beyond the requirements of the regulations, and maintaining its stance as a good corporate citizen.

Black Elk Energy Offshore Operations, LLC press release