On April 20 an explosion at the Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico left 11 crew members dead and a ruptured oil safety valve which is continuing to spill 5,000b/d into the Pacific Ocean.
The tragedy happened when the exploration rig, run by Transocean under BP's licence and drillling in nearly 5000ft of water, exploded and subsequently sank. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing, but the failure of a safety valve more than a mile below the ocean surface left an estimated 5,000b/d of oil flowing into the Gulf of Mexico. One hundred and fifteen of the 126 crew members on board survived the explosion.
By the end of April, despite the best efforts of clean-up crews, some oil had come ashore on the Louisiana coastline although the majority of the spill apparently remains some way off the coast.
|
BP stated clearly that it is "absolutely responsible" for the clean-up operation, which could run to billions of dollars, and BP's Chief Executive, Tony Hayward, pledged full support and co-operation with the US Federal agencies in driving the operation as quickly as possible. Transocean, who owned the drilling rig and equipment, described the crew as "talented individuals" and expressed it gratitude to the rescue crews which saved so many lives. Transocean has also been providing key equipment and resources to stem the flow.
A number of solutions are already in place in an effort to stem the oil flow. Transocean's Development Drill III began work on May 2 to drill a relief well to take the pressure off the original well and then cap it. In addition, Transocean's Discoverer Enterprise drillship will place a 'dome' over the leak and effectively suck the oil flow up to the ship, which can recover up to 125,000 barrels of oil.
A new technique using sub-surface dispersants has also been deployed using a remotely operated underwater vehicle. This is believed to be having positive results in breaking up the oil before it reaches the surface. Above-surface operations have been hampered by bad weather in the Gulf, although more than 41 miles of booms have been deployed and surface dispersants have also had some effect.
As well as a significant fishing industry, Mississippi, Lousiana and Alabama are also home to a wide variety of wildlife around the wetlands. It is hoped that the oil pollution can be stopped before it encroaches beyond the outer shoreline.
President Barack Obama, who described the incident as "potentially unprecedented" stated the initial focus should be on stopping the leak and limiting the environmental damage. However, he halted further oil exploration and drilling plans in the Gulf until an "adequate review" of the Deepwater Horizon incident had been undertaken. Calfornia Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger withdrew his support for any new drilling off the state's coast, effectively ruling out any new activity in the forseable future.
A website, Deepwater Horizon response, has been set up to provide the latest news, information and images regarding the situation from all the agencies and organisations involved in the incident.