Bad Omen: Shell’s oil rig is already falling apart — and it hasn’t even left for the Arctic

[cali]

In today’s HOLY SH*T WTF!? news: The Noble Discoverer, Royal Dutch Shell’s oil drilling rig, already failed a routine Coast Guard inspection — months before it is even scheduled to leave for the Arctic. VICE News reports that inspectors found malfunctioning anti-pollution machinery aboard the rig last month.

This is one hell of a bad omen for everyone.

Why? Here’s a little history: In 2012, Shell stationed the Kulluk, an oil drilling barge, and two tug boats off the coast of Alaska to drill five oil wells in the Chukchi Sea. After multiple failed drilling attempts, the Kulluk ended up wrecked in the Aleutian Islands. The disastrous oil “exploration” mission ended with the rig’s handlers pleading guilty to eight felonies for marine crimes.

With that kind of track record, it’s no surprise environmentalists and concerned citizens are up in arms about the company’s plan to return to the Arctic this July.

Naturally, Shell officials assure us that everything’s JUST DANDY. From VICE:

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http://grist.org/list/shell-oil-noble-discoverer-arctic-rig-has-already-broken-down-but-its-on-its-way-to-seattle/

[randys1]

1. We deserve to all die from climate change, oil spills, etc. Jesus fucking christ

There is no end to our stupidity.

none

[cali]

2. and President Obama just granted Shell approval to drill in the

Chuckchi Sea. Here's another reason not to trust Shell-

Shell agrees to start clean up of two devastating oil spills – 7 years later

Shell has agreed with Nigerian fishing community of Bodo in the Niger Delta to start the clean up of two devastating oil spills in 2008, activists and locals said Saturday.

"Shell officials met with representatives of Bodo community in Port Harcourt yesterday (Friday).

The meeting was attended by officials of the Dutch embassy, UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme), Amnesty International and some local activists," Steven Obodekwe of the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development lobby group told AFP.

"It was agreed that the clean up would commence in July or August," he said.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-shell-agrees-to-start-clean-up-of-2008-niger-delta-oil-spill-2015-5#ixzz3ZrvlkjjV

[cwydro]

5. Another reason not to trust Obama .

As far as I'm concerned.

[pscot]

4. We just can't stop

[cali]

3. because why wouldn't you trust corporations to do the right thing?