What we know about the Rem Andes fire near Grand Isle, Louisiana: news

Rem Andes Fire Near Grand Isle, Louisiana: Latest Incident Updates and Evacuation Details

A major offshore emergency occurred in the northern Gulf of Mexico approximately 100 nautical miles south of Grand Isle, Louisiana, when a fire broke out aboard the seismic survey vessel Rem Andes. The incident prompted an immediate search-and-rescue response coordinated by the U.S. Coast Guard, regional mariners, and emergency officials.

The Incident Overview

The Cyprus-flagged research vessel Rem Andes, operated by Norway’s Rem Offshore, was conducting deepwater seismic surveys when an onboard blaze erupted. Tracking data indicated the 87.9-meter vessel slowed and deviated from its survey corridor around 09:55 local time. Forty-two crew members and technical personnel were aboard at the time of the emergency.

Evacuation and Rescue Operations

Due to the intensity of the blaze, the crew initiated abandon-ship procedures:

• Crew members disembarked into life rafts.

  The Maritime Executive

• Nearby “Good Samaritan” oilfield support vessels transiting toward Port Fourchon responded to distress calls and assisted in taking evacuees aboard.

  Baird Maritime

• The U.S. Coast Guard deployed aircrews and the patrol cutter USCGC Yellowfin to maintain scene control, supervise maritime safety, and ensure all 42 personnel were fully accounted for.

  Baird Maritime

Current Status and Casualties

By mid-afternoon (approximately 14:45 local time), firefighting efforts successfully brought the fire under control and extinguished it. No fatalities or severe injuries were reported among the crew. The vessel remained afloat, drifting slowly northeast roughly 90 nautical miles south of Whiskey Island while awaiting salvage operations.

Cause and Investigation

Federal authorities and maritime safety investigators have not yet confirmed the root cause of the fire. Initial investigations will evaluate standard offshore hazard areas, including engine-room machinery spaces, electrical distribution networks, and fuel containment lines. Environmental assessments are ongoing to monitor for potential pollution or fuel discharge in the surrounding Gulf waters.