Failed Blowout Preventer Brought to Surface
On Saturday officials lifted the Deepwater Horizon's failed blowout preventer that led to the leaking of 4.9 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico from April 20 to July 15. The failed blowout preventer could become key evidence of the criminal investigation into the disaster.
"The damaged Blow Out Preventer (BOP), along with the Lower Marine Riser Package (LMRP) Cap, have been removed from the Gulf of Mexico and are currently on board the Q4000. The BOP is considered evidentiary material, and is now under the supervision of the Deepwater Horizon Criminal Investigation Team and FBI Evidence Recovery Team." - National Incident Commander Admiral Thad Allen, Sept. 4, 2010
(Photo & Video by Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas Blue, U.S. Coast Guard)