What you need to understand was this was an exploration project. BP was to drill 2 exploration wells.

It was supposed to find oil then cap it to later become a subsea producer. Basically an underwater rig controlled from the shore.

Page 5 of this doc. can explain a subsea producer better:

[link to posccaesar.vestforsk.no]


They only drilled in one spot (at least since Feb.)
When the rig sank it moved about 1500 ft. NW of the well center.

[link to www.offshore-technology.com]

But there has always been at least 3 leaks reported one at the wellhead and 2 in the pipe. Basically what is reported now is the pipe was cut and the wellhead was capped. Problem now is if the seafloor will hold.

Personally I think there are more leaks at the seafloor or possibly an erupting volcano and they have no clue what to do, but I do think their hole is capped.