Transocean attacks BP over Gulf spill

The company that owned the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, which exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, is accusing BP of withholding what it describes as critical evidence needed to investigate the cause of worst maritime oil spill in history, according to a confidential internal document obtained by The Associated Press.

In a sternly worded letter to BP's attorneys, Transocean said the oil giant has in its sole possession information key to identifying the cause "of the tragic loss of 11 lives and the pollution in the Gulf of Mexico", and the company's refusal to turn over the documents has hampered Transocean's investigation and hindered what it has been able to tell families of the deceased and state and federal investigators about the accident.

"This is troubling, both in light of BP's frequently stated public commitment to openness and a fair investigation, and because it appears that BP is withholding evidence in an attempt to prevent any entity other than BP from investigating the cause of the 20 April incident and the resulting spill," the letter said. Copies of the letter were also sent to government agencies and lawmakers investigating the spill's cause.

President Barack Obama sternly warned months ago that companies involved in the accident needed to work together and with the Government on the investigation, saying: "I will not tolerate more finger-pointing or irresponsibility."