BP Partner: It's BP's Fault

Anadarko Petroleum Corp., which owns a quarter of BP PLC's blown-out oil well in the Gulf of Mexico, late yesterday blasted BP's "reckless decisions and actions" that led to the well's explosion. The information disclosed this week "indicates BP operated unsafely and failed to monitor and react to several critical warning signs during the drilling" a statement by Andarko's CEO read. "BP's behavior and actions likely represent gross negligence or willful misconduct."

Anadarko also hinted at legal action, saying BP had a duty to perform the drilling "in a good and workmanlike manner and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations." The contract also holds BP responsible to its co-owners for damages "caused by its gross negligence or willful misconduct." BP chief Tony Hayward fired back, saying: "Other parties besides BP may be responsible for costs and liabilities arising from the oil spill, and we expect those parties to live up to their obligations." (More Gulf oil spill stories.)