30 Years ago there was another drilling accident.

[FLPanhandle]

http://gizmodo.com/5695711/thirty-years-ago-a-louisiana-lake-turned-into-a-swirling-pit-of-destruction

In 1980, Texaco drilled down to look for oil beneath Lake Peigneur. A little too far down. The mistake drained the entire lake like a bathtub, creating an enormous whirlpool that consumed barges, drills, and 65 acres of land. Oops.

The error lay in the fact that the Diamond Crystal Salt Company was simultaneously operating beneath the lake, essentially creating a giant bubble for Texaco to pop. As the drilling proceeded, Texaco workers found their gear stuck. The drill would go no further. Then, suddenly, it went further. A lot further. The entire 150 foot tall contraption sunk beneath the water's surface—the surface of a lake that was only 10 feet deep. But their drill was just the start.

Thirty Years Ago, a Louisiana Lake Turned Into a Swirling Pit of Destruction

As the hole into the mine widened, the vortex accelerated and created massive landslides, pulling anything and everything into its maw. Eleven barges, a tugboat, enormous swaths of forest—everything in or around the water was sucked down.



I remember this from the news back then. It's still amazing today.

[niyad]

1. thank you for reminding us about this.