Federal government orders immediate inspection of all Gulf rigs

Amidst the oncoming threat of what could be one of the worst manmade disasters in U.S. history, the federal government Thursday ordered immediate inspections of all oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.

At the White House, officials said any and all means will be used to investigate the crisis, including subpoena powers.

According to the Associated Press, the government is “frustrated” in BP PLC’s failure to plug the ruptured well head which may be leaking 5,000 barrels of oil every day.

President Obama announced that “every available resource” will go to the region. The Navy is bringing 66,000 feet of booms and skimming systems.

Government officials said that the cost of the entire operation will be paid for by the oil industry and not taxpayers.

The slick could reach the Gulf shores by Friday night. It is reportedly within 15 miles of land.

The leaking well began after the Transocean Deepwater Horizon platform exploded and sank last week. 11 workers are presumed dead.

Source: Associated Press