BP has offered its full support to drilling contractor Transocean Ltd. and its employees after fire caused Transocean's semisubmersible drilling rig Deepwater Horizon to be evacuated overnight, saying it stood ready to assist in any way in responding to the incident.

Group Chief Executive Tony Hayward said, "Our concern and thoughts are with the rig personnel and their families. We are also very focused on providing every possible assistance in the effort to deal with the consequences of the incident."

BP, which operates the licence on which Transocean's rig was drilling an exploration well, said it was working closely with Transocean and the U.S. Coast Guard, which is leading the emergency response, and had been offering its help - including logistical support.

Transocean reported the fire earlier today on the rig, located approximately 41 miles offshore Louisiana on Mississippi Canyon block 252, saying that a "substantial majority" of the 126 personnel on board were safe, but some crew members remained unaccounted for. A number of personnel were reported to be injured.

Transocean Ltd. has reported a fire onboard its semisubmersible drilling rig Deepwater Horizon. The incident occurred April 20, 2010 at approximately 10:00 p.m. central time in the United States Gulf of Mexico. The rig was located approximately 41 miles offshore Louisiana on Mississippi Canyon block 252. The names and hometowns of injured persons are being withheld until family members can be notified.

Helicopters and boats were scouring the Gulf for any sign of the workers who had not been accounted for. Coast Guard Senior Chief Petty Officer Mike O'Berry said, "We're hoping everyone is in a life raft."

Tags: BP PLC, Transocean Inc.