Venezuelan gas rig sinks

CARACAS – An offshore natural-gas platform sank off Venezuela yesterday, and 95 workers were rescued safely, the government said.All of the workers on the Aban Pearl platform off eastern Sucre state were safely evacuated, and the sinking poses no threat to the environment, Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez told state television.The navy rescued the workers using a frigate and boats after the gas platform disappeared into the Caribbean Sea at 2:20 a.m. Ramirez said.President Hugo Chavez announced the sinking on Twitter early yesterday, saying: “To my sorrow, I inform you that the Aban Pearl gas platform sank moments ago. The good news is that 95 workers are safe.” (AP)