He said the boat and the wheelhouse had broken in half after it ran aground on the north Cornwall coast.

BBC: Courageous II wrecked near Padstow: Crew 'in danger'

Since then, at least 5, 000 barrels of oil per day have erupted from the broken well pipe which is 5, 000 feet under water, 40 miles off the coast of Louisiana.

FORBES: The BP Spill: Who's Responsible, Part I