Thanks for all of the info! I have been scouring the web trying to find info on this disaster. As someone who spent a great deal of time in the Gulf this is very dear to me. I’m not sure if I know anyone on the DWH or not. I know a lot of people who still work in the GoM and it is quite possible. Condolences to the families of those who are missing. While I wasn’t there at the time I was involved with the SP 60-B fire in 1989. The waiting and wondering is truly miserable. Working for BP I will assure you that one of the hold ups with information is the fact that they will not say anything until they are absolutely certain it is accurate. I’m sure Transocean is doing the same thing. I hold an Amatuer Radio License (Ham Operator) and work with disaster relief from time to time. It is strictly forbidden for us to transmit any personal information about anyone via open air ways. This must only be transmited on secure connections only. I expect this is what prevented any kind of survivor list from being transmitted from the M/V while brining the survivors to shore. I have no idea what type of communications the vessel may have had but for sure they couldn’t just transmit names via their company radio. The last thing anyone needed was for a list of names to show up on the news before any of the families were notified and that wasn’t going to happen until they had absolute correct information.
It is being reported that the well is no longer emitting hydrocarbons. We can only hope. I’m with others here in believing the BOP is not a viable option for controlling this well. I believe there was something wrong with it and that is what the guys on the drill deck were trying to fix when the blow out occurred. It is sort of the only thing that makes sense to me. They had a kick, checked the mud, then tried to actuate the BOP. When the BOP wouldn’t seal they continued to try and probably tried to kill the well and that is about the time the blow out happened. I know it is easy for me to type that but in my minds eye I can see it happening. Just my opinion.
Again many thanks for all of the info!