The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) recently approved BP’s drilling plan for the Kaskida development, clearing the way for the company’s imminent return to the Gulf of Mexico. This decision comes just 18 months after the April 20, 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion that killed 11 offshore workers, injured dozens more and ultimately sent millions of gallons of crude oil directly into the Gulf.
BP has a history of major accidents, both on and offshore, which includes the March 23, 2005 explosion at the company’s oil refinery in Texas City. That incident resulted in the deaths of 15 workers and injury to nearly 200 others.
By approving the Kaskida drilling plan, BOEMRE has cleared the way for BP to resume operations in the Gulf of Mexico almost immediately. According to CEO Robert Dudley, BP plans on having as many as 5 rigs up and running by the end of 2011 and 8 rigs by the end of 2012.
If you or a loved one has been hurt offshore on a commercial fishing boat, drillship, jack-up rig or other type of vessel, contact the experienced maritime attorneys at Zehl & Associates today for a free, confidential consultation: 1 1-888-302-3838. Our firm successfully represented dozens of injured individuals against BP following the devastating 2005 Texas City refinery blast and continues to represent dozens more against the company for its role in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion.
Source: Houston Chronicle
