A summary from the oil industry

4.9.05

It has been a week since Hurricane Katrina pounded its way across Florida into the Gulf of Mexico, on its way to causing one of the worst natural disasters in American history. The course it took through the Gulf led straight through the heart of the offshore oil patch into America's most active port and leading oil refining region. The damage to the oil and gas industry is still being assessed, but by all accounts it could have been much worse. However, the damage to the Gulf Coast and the city of New Orleans in particular is truly catastrophic. One of America's most historic cities has been filled with flood waters that contain an assortment of petrochemicals, human waste, heavy metals, and other toxins. Hundreds, if not thousands, have died from the flood waters and the lack of basic necessities. At least half a million people have been forced out of their homes to take refuge with family and friends or in the shelters being prepared by the Red Cross and government agencies. Among those are many of our friends and co-workers from within the industry, including some portion of the nearly 20,000 Rigzone members who live in that area. When compared with such overwhelming problems faced by these individuals and families, the issues that the offshore oil industry must surmount seem minor. Yet, it is imperative to the United States and the Gulf Coast that every effort be made to return the industry back to order. And so, while we push on to keep this industry moving, our hearts and our prayers stay with those who have lost so much.