As if it wasn't already heartbreaking enough that BP's oil spill has destroyed the livelihoods of fishermen throughout the Gulf Coast, those fishermen are now getting sick while cleaning up BP's spill. One of those fishermen began feeling ill a week ago and has been hospitalized since Friday with aches, an upset stomach, and nose bleeds. Others have complained of shortness of breath and dizziness. It's not yet 100% clear what is causing the sickness, but a possible culprit is exposure to dispersants or other chemicals used in the containment operation.
BP, however, is having none of that. CEO Tony Hayward insists that the sickness couldn't possibly have anything to do with the oil spill.
Tony Hayward, the chief executive officer of BP, offered another explanation for the fishermen's illness: spoiled food.
"Food poisoning is clearly a big issue," Hayward said Sunday. "It's something we've got to be very mindful of. It's one of the big issues of keeping the Army operating. You know, the Army marches on their stomachs."
Food poisoning? Seriously? When was the last time you heard of somebody getting a nose bleed from food poisoning? Sadly, it looks like BP has found a new way to drive its credibility even lower.