[deep trout]

As much as I don’t like B.O., this problem was in effect with the “Valdez”. USCG is not up to the task in a fast moving situation nav/arch wise. They don’t have the nav/arch
horsepower available at a momoents notice, won’t pay for it because they use government purchasing low bid process.
Their software is lowbid, therefore low quality.
They are brave at rescue.
Long and short, the rig did not have to sink I have been told by the best.
deeptrout

[UCANSEE2]

JUST SO everyone understands.

The Coast Guard did not do the firefighting.The firefighting was done by private contractors hired by BP. The Coast Guard was only there to do search and rescue.

The Rig was going to sink, no matter what. The ballasts, or floats, were damaged and leaking severely. The bilge pumps quit the moment the power went out. The fires and explosions had their toll. It was only a matter of time.

If the firefighters had used foam instead of water, it really wouldn't have made that much difference. This rig is made to stand hurricanes, pouring rain, and high-seas. Water pour on it is like water on a duck.

Here is a picture. These floats are under water the whole time the rig is in place (and not on the deck of a ship). More Water isn't going to do a thing to them. If those floats are compromised though, the rig sinks.