Reply #118: One action I would advise is to request $2 B and contract

[Strelnikov_]

to start at least four more "bottom kill" bores. Two are currently being drilled.

A recent deepwater blowout, as I recall, required seven relief well tries before success.

Also, this is a difficult formation leaving little room for human error. A blowout could easily occur at one of the relief wells. Therefore, all wells should be mutually supporting and depth staggered to remain out of the hydrocarbon (danger) zone until it is clear penetration is required.

The Government could take these actions independent of BP, and sort out the costs later.