‘Digging deep’ to plug leak

ON THE GULF OF MEXICO – Drilling crews are grinding ever deeper to build the relief wells that are the best hope of stopping the massive oil leak at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico.The crew of Transocean Ltd.’s Development Driller II was on track to pour cement starting early yesterday to firm up a section of metal casing lining one of two relief wells.BP and government officials say the wells are the best option for cutting off the gusher that has spilled as much as 125 million gallons into the Gulf since the Transocean drilling rig Deepwater Horizon exploded April 20, killing 11 workers.Back on land, coastal residents were infuriated by news that BP PLC CEO Tony Hayward was taking a break from overseeing efforts to stop the leak to watch his 52-foot yacht, Bob, compete in a race around the Isle of Wight off southern England.“Man, that ain’t right. None of us can even go out fishing, and he’s at the yacht races,” said Bobby Pitre, 33, who runs a tattoo shop in Larose, La. “I wish we could get a day off from the oil, too.”BP spokespeople rushed to defend Hayward, who has drawn biting criticism as the public face of BP’s halting efforts to stop the spill. BP is responsible for the clean-up because it was leasing the rig when it blew up.“He’s spending a few hours with his family at a weekend,” said BP spokesman Robert Wine. “I’m sure that everyone would understand that.” (AP)