Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Chandeleur Islands Lost In Oil and 20 Dead Sea Turtles
Uhhhhhhhhhh.............Damnit.........Good Job BP you have killed The Gulf of Mexico.
Long ribbons of oil from the Deepwater spill now wind through the Chandeleur Islands about 35 miles south of Gulfport.
On a 90-minute flight from Apollo Aviation in Gulfport Monday afternoon, reporters and photographers from the Sun Herald, New York Times and Los Angles Times spotted what appeared to be patches of the reddish-brown oil much closer to shore. In the channel between Ship Island and Cat Island, about 11 miles from the Mississippi coastline, were two blotches that looked similar to what later was seen in an obvious oil slick.
State officials reported Monday morning the oil was 60 miles off the Mississippi shoreline. But 35 miles from the coast at the eastern end of the Chandleurs, the sheen of surface oil, mixed with peanut butter-colored emulsified oil, extended for miles.
Only one small airplane was seen in the area and little boat traffic was in the federal waters that begin 3 miles south of Ship Island. An island in the Chandeliers was surrounded by pink boom and from 3,200 feet, it was clear the oil had permeated the barrier.
Stan Flint, a representative of the Mississippi Sierra Club, said they were told all the barrier islands were protected by booms. From the air only three barriers were seen at the southwest side of Ship Island. Several of the other islands were partially boomed.
Long ribbons of oil from the Deepwater spill now wind through the Chandeleur Islands about 35 miles south of Gulfport.
On a 90-minute flight from Apollo Aviation in Gulfport Monday afternoon, reporters and photographers from the Sun Herald, New York Times and Los Angles Times spotted what appeared to be patches of the reddish-brown oil much closer to shore. In the channel between Ship Island and Cat Island, about 11 miles from the Mississippi coastline, were two blotches that looked similar to what later was seen in an obvious oil slick.
State officials reported Monday morning the oil was 60 miles off the Mississippi shoreline. But 35 miles from the coast at the eastern end of the Chandleurs, the sheen of surface oil, mixed with peanut butter-colored emulsified oil, extended for miles.
Only one small airplane was seen in the area and little boat traffic was in the federal waters that begin 3 miles south of Ship Island. An island in the Chandeliers was surrounded by pink boom and from 3,200 feet, it was clear the oil had permeated the barrier.
Stan Flint, a representative of the Mississippi Sierra Club, said they were told all the barrier islands were protected by booms. From the air only three barriers were seen at the southwest side of Ship Island. Several of the other islands were partially boomed.
Worried Sick
6:30 Sunday Night
He's hasn't been home long, soaked down to the bone. Horrible storms here today, yet he spent the day on the boat. The only one out there, other than Coast Guard monitoring boats. The unknown scenario of the wildlife, had to come to an end. Someone had to take a look, do a little check up per say. It was rough sailing, but he went anyway. One look at the truck and it was obvious why it was backing the boat into the water. Animal rescue. The media surrounding the docks, grasping for a few words, a comment, and answer to their questions were left empty handed. Call in a Mayor if you want pretty little phrases to quote, My Captain had work to do, and we have learned our lesson. No matter what you tell the media, they publish and print what they want, so why even bother. No comment.
Two men out there actually doing something, and they were left with an empty basket. A few minutes of video coverage is the best they were getting from him today.
My niece called when she watched them go by from the beach, My Captain, and her better half, Ray.
She said, "The waves are too rough. They are rocking really hard, I can see them. I'm worried, they are pushing it to far. What if they don't come back? They are headed straight out to The Gulf, what the hell are they doing?" I tried to reassure her, tell her that I tried to talk him out of it, but he wasn't having it. 10 dead sea turtles, was the clincher, no more sitting around and doing nothing he had said. I told her he was brave, but not stupid. I told her he wouldn't keep going if he didn't feel safe. Then we waited. Me for the sound of the dogs doing the happy little whimper they do when their Daddy's home. Her at the dock, frantically watching for signs of them in the pouring down rain.
Everyone who knows they were out there wants to know what he saw. He only cares that all of you know.
First as we fore casted yesterday, the booms have completely broken apart, and are a complete failure.
Need more than our word as proof... Click HERE to read another man's report who hasn't learned yet how manipulative the media is.
Anyway,on to the good stuff. He trolled very slowly along the barrier islands, 5-7 miles of shore line he guesses. Close, as close as possible so he could take a good look at the edges of the islands for signs of life or death.
He saw no sea turtles, neither alive or dead.
He purposely sailed at feeding time for the dolphins. This is the time we usually are able to see them the best. Nothing, not one fin he said.
He said the islands were full of birds. Birds he says he normally sees much farther out, near Chandeleur. Pelicans, Albatrosses, Cranes, and Seagulls for the most part. Here's a twist though, several species he's never seen in our waters before at all. Brightly colored Toucan like birds, a treat to the eye of an animal lover.
Could some of those we worried about at Chandeleur have come closer to safety? We are hoping that was the case.
Seeing the birds, were not enough for him. He scared them, laughing he says if the media were there then, they would have called the Crazy Train. We flapped, we yelled, we clanked, and made all kinds of racket, to scare them. Why? To see how they reacted. I am happy to say, they flew, flapped, and squawked. This indicates no type of stress. Perfectly normal!
One of these guys was awfully playful at the dock as well, hanging close to shore is not unusual for these otters. Good thing I guess, especially now.
Another animal drastically effected by the oil spill is this guy:
This is Jibbs, are American Bulldog. Just ask Daddy, he's the best fishing buddy around. When the boat goes, so does he. Dear BP, please explain to this one, why he can't go on the boat with Daddy anymore. It's heartbreaking.
Everytime John leaves, he stands at the floor length window whining to the truck and the boat are no longer visible, and then he just plops down on the floor, and lays there till John comes back. No eating, no playing, pure depression. I'm going to see about one of the million lawyers that have flooded the coast this weekend, taking a case on Jibbs' behalf, for intentional infliction of emotional distress.
John says the smell of oil is almost overwhelming at times. It's getting closer and closer.
I can't paste the forecast map here, it's from NOAA, and you can't copy it, but click HERE to see. Alot of uncertainity, based on how fast the leak continues. They are trying some sort of dispersant chemical near the base of the leak that has been of some sucess today. Keep sending those good wishes and prayers our way. In the map I am where The S is in Sound where it says Mississippi Sound.
I will update as things progress, but need a little fashion break for today I think. I don't want to overkill you all with this.
Again, we want to thank all of you for you sweet comments, welcome our new followers and readers. Captain John says you pushed him at least an extra mile or two today.
We love you all, Semper Fi,
Captain John and his Bumpkin On A Swing
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Captain John's Sunday Morning Jam
Mornin,
Sorry no fishing tips today. Rogue rescues under way. First things first, I hope you understand. There's a bunch of angry eyes around here today.
Semper Fi,
Captain John
Because I Think You Need To Know The Truth
It's 6:30am, I have been debating for an hour if I should tell you. You'd never know probably if I didn't, we could all just pretend that it turned out okay. But, I can't hide what this does to our spirits. You are going to hear about it, and I think it's only fair since I've gotten you all involved that I tell you the truth, this is not a good sign for the wishes we have made and the prayers we have prayed.
Dead turtles wash up in Pass Christian
by Donna Melton, Sun Herald Reporter
Dead turtles found at the water’s edge in Pass Christian on Saturday will be studied for a cause of death.
Moby Solangi, head of the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, said workers searched for 10 turtles reported to have washed ashore, but could recover only six before dusk.
The turtles were taken to the freezer at the Center for Marine Education and Research in Gulfport and would be necropsied Monday to determine what killed them. Solangi said a visual inspection of the turtles did not reveal oily residue.
He said the turtles were found on a half-mile stretch of beach.
“It’s unusual to see this many at one time,” he said.
Workers planned to search for the other turtles today.
Solangi reminds the public not to touch any marine life found dead or injured on Coast beaches. Instead, report the location at 1-888-SOS-DOLPHIN (767-3657).
Dead turtles wash up in Pass Christian
by Donna Melton, Sun Herald Reporter
Dead turtles found at the water’s edge in Pass Christian on Saturday will be studied for a cause of death.
Moby Solangi, head of the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, said workers searched for 10 turtles reported to have washed ashore, but could recover only six before dusk.
The turtles were taken to the freezer at the Center for Marine Education and Research in Gulfport and would be necropsied Monday to determine what killed them. Solangi said a visual inspection of the turtles did not reveal oily residue.
He said the turtles were found on a half-mile stretch of beach.
“It’s unusual to see this many at one time,” he said.
Workers planned to search for the other turtles today.
Solangi reminds the public not to touch any marine life found dead or injured on Coast beaches. Instead, report the location at 1-888-SOS-DOLPHIN (767-3657).
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Captain John's Update
The Last SupperGood Mornin'
We are truly going rogue, due to uncoordinated response to this catastrophe of a lifetime. I feel that each individuals efforts will be eventually combined to solve this problem.
Winds are pushing the slick directly from the south at 24 mph.
The lack of experience and coordination is resulting in poorly placed booms, companies from Texas and Louisiana are in Mississippi responding to this crisis, yet they don't know any of the local waters. The don't speak English, and can not clearly be told the information they need to know to perform the duties that we are counting on them to perform.
Let these local boys that have shrimped and fished these waters their entire lives, place these booms. They know these reefs, channels, islands and waters with their eyes closed. For the government not to be tapping into the local resources these men know is a shame. These booms are being placed for the cameras not for the oil protection, they are ineffective. The oil is topping all of the booms because of the waves, and again they are completely ineffective. The booms that are in place will protect less than 1% of the shoreline coast.
Photo taken from Captain John's officeI personally completed an island search yesterday, the waves were 5-7 feet. We found no victims yesterday, I don't expect the same luck today. My buddy Tommy and I are going out to search for birds, turtles, and dolphins in distress. We have personally supplied paper suits, rubber gloves, cleaning supplies, fresh water, and have a completely self contained rescue rig, consisting of one boat, one truck, two men, and a huge shrimp net dissected into rescue nets. If necessary the barn will be used as a bird recovery center. Dolphins and turtles will be immediately delivered to IMMS. For any mammal emergencies simply call 1-877-SOS-DOLPHIN.
I firmly believe there is much more oil coming from that well, than they are claiming still, since there is no way to gauge it, why would they over estimate it? Is BP trying to minimize the effects on our environment, or minimize the effects of their responsibility. Who cares whose to blame it's time to act, we can worry about that later. We'll have plenty of time with no jobs, or ways to make money later.
See the birds in the oil and the boom washed ashore?
We are not innocent victims, we use that oil, our communities thrive off the profits of the oil, and the jobs it creates, let's face it our economy runs on transportation. The true victims are the wildlife.
We need to cut through all the red tape, any ridiculous governmental requirements, and insurance needs, let's do what's right, RIGHT NOW.
The oil was exactly 40 miles out yesterday, 2/3 the way through the Chandeleur Islands and the birds that I have shown grave concern for. I am sure that it's completely covered in oil by now. These islands are made of mangroves, less than 10ft above sea level, with 10ft waves and a high, high, tide, it couldn't be worse.
You can't find a shrimp or an oyster on the coast right now, every one has been bought. Every vendor's outlet has massive lines, we know it's gone so we are grabbing seafood while we can.
Much like the response to Katrina, the lack of coordination is extensive. The lack of common sense is obvious.
This is not the government's fault, this is the fault of oil production solely. BP hid it from the government, they lied and misled our government, and then the government manipulated the media into downplaying the impact to save face. Remember now BP only leased this rig, they did not own it. BP has assumed responsibility for now, but inevitably will put it on the procedural responsibilities of the owner.
The animals don't have time for a preliminary hearing, they don't have time to see if they qualify for assistance. Bust a move people!
You talkers keep talking, and we doers will keep doing.
Going to prep the rig now, and yes I am still heading DUE SOUTH, hope my boat will take it.
Right now the news is saying:
130 miles long and 70 miles wide the slick is now. They are estimating that the spill is 5 times worse than thought yesterday.
Keep sending all those good vibes and prayers, we are sure gonna need it!
By the way did you hear that Obama is no longer flying in Air Force One, he is now flying solely in Marine One (insert chuckle)
We need to cut through all the red tape, any ridiculous governmental requirements, and insurance needs, let's do what's right, RIGHT NOW.
The oil was exactly 40 miles out yesterday, 2/3 the way through the Chandeleur Islands and the birds that I have shown grave concern for. I am sure that it's completely covered in oil by now. These islands are made of mangroves, less than 10ft above sea level, with 10ft waves and a high, high, tide, it couldn't be worse.
You can't find a shrimp or an oyster on the coast right now, every one has been bought. Every vendor's outlet has massive lines, we know it's gone so we are grabbing seafood while we can.
Much like the response to Katrina, the lack of coordination is extensive. The lack of common sense is obvious.
This is not the government's fault, this is the fault of oil production solely. BP hid it from the government, they lied and misled our government, and then the government manipulated the media into downplaying the impact to save face. Remember now BP only leased this rig, they did not own it. BP has assumed responsibility for now, but inevitably will put it on the procedural responsibilities of the owner.
The animals don't have time for a preliminary hearing, they don't have time to see if they qualify for assistance. Bust a move people!
You talkers keep talking, and we doers will keep doing.
Going to prep the rig now, and yes I am still heading DUE SOUTH, hope my boat will take it.
Right now the news is saying:
130 miles long and 70 miles wide the slick is now. They are estimating that the spill is 5 times worse than thought yesterday.
Keep sending all those good vibes and prayers, we are sure gonna need it!
By the way did you hear that Obama is no longer flying in Air Force One, he is now flying solely in Marine One (insert chuckle)
Update: BP has just called me, and said that they have placed my Captain's information into a database, and should they need someone for animal rescue they will give me a call. Are you kidding, there is no one better trained at this than I am. Perhaps they are waiting for the preliminary hearing, of course I'm not. If you would like to contact them here's the number they just called me from 713-401-0663 (insert a much heartier chuckle)
Semper Fi,
Captain John
Captain John
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