Katy man missing after Louisiana oil rig explosion
KENNER, Louisiana (KTRK) -- A Katy man is missing after an oil rig exploded in Louisiana on Sunday evening.
Coast Guard officials have identified 44-year-old Timothy Morrison of Katy as the worker missing after the explosion on Lake Ponchartrain north of New Orleans.
Officials say 10 different search missions are covering 90 square miles in the search for Morrison.
Jefferson Sheriff Joe Lopinto said Morrison was a subcontractor for the structure's owner, Clovelly Oil Co. LLC.
Morrison's family said in a statement to ABC13 that they remain hopeful he will be found alive. "We are very grateful for the efforts of law enforcement and for your well wishes and prayers," the added.
ORIGINAL REPORT: 1 missing, 7 hurt after oil rig explodes on Lake Pontchartrain
A statement from the New Orleans company says a natural gas well was feeding the tank at the time of the explosion, which occurred during maintenance. The statement says its three oil wells were shut in at the time, and the flow from the gas well was cut off after the explosion.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
