Company vows continued search near burned Gulf rig
Company that owns burned Gulf rig vows to continue search for missing worker
In this aerial photograph, a supply vessel moves near an oil rig damaged by an explosion and fire, Friday, Nov. 16, 2012, in the Gulf of Mexico about 25 miles southeast of Grand Isle, La. Four people were transported to a hospital with critical burns and two were missing. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Doctors say one of four men burned in an oil platform explosion and fire has improved to fair condition. But two remain in critical condition and one in serious condition.
A news release on the Baton Rouge General Medical Center's website says 50-year-old Wilberto Ilagan told Dr. Jeffrey Littleton that he wanted his family and country to know that he's alive — and, though he's burned, his heart and lungs are healthy.
The Advocate reports (http://bit.ly/ZT9WLy ) that Littleton told a news conference the other men's names are being withheld because their conditions are more serious.
Two workers died at the rig; the body of one has been recovered, while crews continue to search for the other. Neither has been identified.
Authorities have said all the workers are from the Philippines.
