http://www.euronews.net/
BP says it has reached a $7.8 billion out of court settlement with some
of those taking legal action over the worst offshore oil spill in US
history.
Eleven people were killed in the explosion of the
Deepwater Horizon drilling rig two years ago. Some 4.9 million barrels
of oil spewed into the Gulf of Mexico.
The consequences were devastating for the environment, local wildlife and for many of those living and working in the region.
The
deal, worth around 6 billion euros, will benefit thousands of fishermen
whose livelihoods suffered and others who say they were harmed. Some
locals say residue can still be seen.
"When you walk in the
marshes and you pull your boot up, you just see it running off. It is
definitely still there," said hunter Anthony James from Walker,
Louisiana.
BP insists the deal is not an admission of liability.
It further delays the first phase of the trial over the spill which was due to start on Monday.
The firm still faces separate claims by the US government, Gulf states and drilling partners.
