BP Knew of Problems, But Did Nothing Before Gulf Blowout: Report

"New evidence unearthed by investigators shows that in some key moments before the Deepwater Horizon exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, BP leaders were disengaged from critical tests and recognized major problems, but they failed to communicate their concerns or take corrective action.

The causes of the BP disaster have been picked over by several investigative bodies for months, including the national Oil Spill Commission and its lead counsel, Fred Bartlit Jr. But a 371-page supplementary report released by Bartlit on Thursday pulls back the curtain even further on what actually went wrong.

"In clear, precise, and unflinching detail, this report lays out the confusion, lack of communication, disorganization, and inattention to crucial safety issues and test results that led to the deaths of 11 men and the largest offshore oil spill in our nation's history," said the commission's co-chairmen, former Sen. and Gov. Bob Graham of Florida and former Environmental Protection Agency chief William Reilly."

David Hammer reports for the New Orleans Times-Picayune February 17, 2011.

SEE ALSO:

"BP Had Questioned Halliburton's Work Years Before Disaster -- Report" (E&E News PM)

"BP Spill Troubles Are Far Deeper Than First Thought, Panel Finds" (MSNBC)

"BP Could Have Prevented Blowout: Investigator" (AFP)