Deepwater Horizon crewmembers angry about "phantom" drill test

Workers aboard the Gulf rig that exploded April 20 are incredulous that BP and Transocean may have recklessly—and possibly knowlingly—drilled into a dangerous situation.

Records show that three tests conducted earlier that day indicated that explosive gases had leaked into the well. Yet, the operation continued because a supposed fourth test indicated that it was safe, according to both companies.

The problem is that no records of that fourth test exist because the records allegedly were destroyed in the explosion.

Many are not buying this explanation. One attorney representing workers calls it the “phantom” test.

As Board Certified Maritime Attorney Brian Beckcom explains, this is yet another example of the companies angering survivors and victims’ families who otherwise have not taken legal action for the tragedy that killed 11 or their peers.

Thursday, Transocean filed a petition in a Houston federal court to limit its liability to $27 million.

“This may cause some Transocean crewmembers who otherwise have struggled to decide whether or not to stand up for their legal rights to get angry," Beckcom says.

Beckcom, who has represented Transocean workers, is based only three blocks from the courthouse where the petition was filed.