"Transocean's rig crew accepted the direction of BP well site leaders to proceed in the face of clear danger signs at a tragic cost to many of them, " said assistant attorney general Lanny Breuer.

BBC: Transocean agrees to pay $1.4bn oil spill fine

Under a new owner, the site is creating jobs to carry out oil rig refits and handle renewable energy contracts.

BBC: Highland Council makes jobs, homes and business target

In its plea, Transocean admitted that its crew on the Deepwater Horizon rig was acting at the direction of BP's well site leaders and were "negligent in failing to investigate fully clear indications that the Macondo well was not secure and that oil and gas were flowing into the well, " the Justice Department said.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS