http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2013/11/18/Black-Elk-Energy-opposes-rig-disaster-findings/UPI-53011384781827/?spt=rln&or=1

Nov. 18, 2013 at 8:37 AM

HOUSTON, Nov. 18 (UPI) — Black Elk Energy said it didn’t agree with violations outlined by a federal safety regulator in response to a deadly fire on an offshore platform in 2012.

Three of the 24 rig workers on a platform operated by Black Elk Energy died in a November 2012 accident off the coast of Louisiana.

The U.S. Interior Department’s Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said Nov. 4 the company lapsed on several safety requirements on the rig and operated “a climate in which workers feared retaliation if they raised safety concerns.”

Black Elk said in a statement Friday it was committed to a safe and compliant offshore working environment.

“Black Elk Energy does not agree with the basis for the [incidents of noncompliance order issued by BSEE] and is evaluating its options for response,” the company said.
In August, Black Elk said a third-party investigation found contractors failed to follow basic safety standards.

Special thanks to Richard Charter