Worker Reported Problem With Deepwater Horizon Blowout Preventer Before Explosion
A Deepwater Horizon worker reported a problem with the oil rig's blowout preventer weeks ahead of the fatal explosion that led to the platform's fiery destruction.
During a recent interview, Tyrone Benton explained to the BBC that he reported a fault in one of the blowout preventer's two control pods. Rather than shutting down operations while a repair was effected, however, officials instead deactivated the faulty pod, leaving only one remaining pod online in the event of an emergency.
Mr. Benton's statements echo those of Chief Electronics Technician Mike Williams. Shortly after the loss of the Deepwater Horizon, Mr. Williams told CBS News magazine 60 Minutes that one of the control pods on the oil rig's blowout preventer suffered from a hydraulic leak and a weak battery, and that the blowout preventer also had suffered a failure in a seal necessary to conduct reliable pressure tests of the well.
More information about Mr. Benton's disclosures is available at www.GulfCoastMaritime.com.
Arnold & Itkin LLP also maintains a website providing ongoing coverage of the Deepwater Horizon tragedy and associated litigation: transoceanlawsuits.com.
For a free consultation regarding a maritime accident or injury, contact a maritime lawyer now at Arnold & Itkin LLP by calling toll free (866) 222-2606.
