[thackney]

Why do some keep ignoring the fact that skimmers HAVE BEEN USED on this spill since the very first days?

They are not ignoring this technology; they have been using all along.

But the Gulf of Mexico allows the oil to spread out over a far greater area than the Persian Gulf.

[gandalftb]

Exactly, what is ignorant is this reporter. Completely different environment. The Gulf of Mexico has currents that scatter the oil. Also, this is a much different mixture of crude/nat gas, than Saudi oil that pools together.

[SAJ]

Skimmers? Fine. But **nothing** can suck it up like a VLCC, and you've got to know that. Whyinhell aren't there some VLCCs out there, hmm? They easily could have been put -- could STILL be put -- on site in a week or so.

This deliberate and egregious bit of mismanagement is what is going to hang BP and the Kenyan, ultimately.

[joesjane]

because it appears that skimmers are different than huge oil tankers that can suck up the oil/water mixture in very large quantities then take it to shore to be processed.

[gulfcoast6]

I live on the coast, have not heard one word about them skimming, I have been shouting from the bottom of my lungs, to call the Arab's and see how THEY used the skimming. i do know there are ways to separate the water and junk from the oil but no, to simple I reckon (a little southern talk thrown in).
Toby