Memorial held under tight security for victims of oil rig explosion that triggered Gulf spill

Somber memorial held for oil rig explosion victims

JACKSON, Miss. — Eleven men who died in the offshore rig explosion that triggered the Gulf oil spill are being honored at a somber memorial service with tributes from country music stars and drilling company executives.

Transocean, owner of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, organized the event, held under tight security at the Jackson Convention Complex. Police patrolled outside.

Transocean CEO Steven Newman said those attending were a community bound by the tragic accident that happened April 20.

Country music group Diamond Rio performed and singer Trace Adkins spoke to the crowd by video.

It was impossible to judge the reactions of those attending. Reporters weren’t allowed inside but were ushered to a room where the service was broadcast on closed-circuit television.