They ran out of time to secure the rigs. Things happened too fast. People had to get out.
Securing is one thing. They can remotely shutin most wells, as I recall.
Of course reporting from two weather buoys on two Shell Oil Platforms has ceased.
This storm is already causing 20 foot waves East of the mouth of the Mississippi and 13 foot waves West of the mouth of the Mississippi.
Time for prayers, not much else.
Oh my. Prayers for everyone down there.