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Worker: Firefighting at Gulf rig was uncoordinated

A Coast Guard worker says he wasn't aware of anyone coordinating efforts to put out a fire on a drilling rig that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico last month.

KENNER, La. -- A Coast Guard worker says he wasn't aware of anyone coordinating efforts to put out a fire on a drilling rig that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico last month.

Kevin Robb, a civilian Coast Guard worker who helped coordinate search and rescue efforts after the blast April 20, made the remarks at a hearing Monday in suburban New Orleans.

When asked whether uncoordinated firefighting efforts could lead to the sinking of a disabled vessel, Robb said that was 'exactly correct.' He said putting out fires out on the water requires a great deal of training and coordination.

Robb said a platform owner may be responsible for enlisting somebody to coordinate firefighting efforts. But he added that he was unsure of who was responsible for coordinating those efforts.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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