Part-owner of Gulf well calls BP 'reckless'

USA Today

Anadarko, a part owner in BP's blown-out well, slammed the company on Friday for "reckless decisions and actions" that led to its explosion, several media outlets report.

"The mounting evidence clearly demonstrates that this tragedy was preventable and the direct result of BP's reckless decisions and actions," Anadarko Chairman and CEO Jim Hackett said in a statement.

BP, the well's operator, said in a statement it "strongly disagreed" with Anadarko's allegations.

"These allegations will neither distract the company's focus on stopping the leak nor alter our commitment to restore the Gulf coast," BP CEO Tony Hayward said in the statement. "Other parties besides BP may be responsible for costs and liabilities arising from the oil spill, and we expect those parties to live up to their obligations."

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Since Anadarko owns 25% of the well, it could potentially be liable for some damages, the New York Times reports. BP owns 65% and Mitsui owns 10% of the well.

"BP is responsible to its co-owners for damages caused by its gross negligence or willful misconduct," Anadarko said in the statement.