Saving the Dolphins: Join the Live Chat
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Tonight on 360°, a charter boat captain helping in the Gulf oil clean up effort dies of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. We'll look at his life and death and the concerns for other fishermen. Plus, a look at what's being done to help save the dolphins and other marine mammals living in the Gulf.
Scroll down to join the live chat during the program. It's your chance to share your thoughts on tonight's headlines. Keep in mind, you have a better chance of having your comment get past our moderators if you follow our rules.
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I was just in the Gulf and I flew around from NOLA to Alabama for 5 hours in the air to photograph the oil, birds, etc. I was at IBRRC too, and I also spoke to oil people that all said sadly, off the record, that they knew this was coming, and they all said it may take years – not months to cap!! This is very scary to me! My eyes have been hurting now for 3 days straight, I wonder if it is from the spill and disbursements!??
Twisted as this sounds, I'm surprised stories like this aren't more common. First you had Katrina, then the bungled response after, then a few more hurricanes whose names I can't remember, now this. I guess it speaks to the strength of the Gulf residents, particularly Louisianians.
Oh I'm sure you're right, Emily, he cannot be alone. I hope that everyone takes note of the cumulative effects of losses and tries to kick in much sooner with help for regions who experience 'double-whammies' like this.
Said about the boat captain. Is there a media blackout?
Hi Anderson,
Sorry to hear about the captain. His family will be in my prayers.
Anderson,
Hi! It's great to see you on tonight.
It's sad to hear about Allen Kruse, especially with all the public recognition about the critical situation in the Gulf.
Have any oceanographers or biologists talked about the food chain of the ocean and how long it will take for the oil that lays at the bottom to destroy the smallest foods and in turn up the food chain to the dolphins and large sea animals...?
@Emily, I don't think we all understand why this hasn't been stopped yet, it's ridiculous!
Why isn't there more of a public outcry? This man's life should be a rally cry for every citizen in the U.S.A. to put aside our differences and make sure that our government and BP is held accountable? Don't let this man's life and what he stood for die in vain America.
Good evening everyone, one more till happy hour.
@Starr, Glad to see you back on the blog. I can understand your feelings about this. I am angered about it as well.
They need to establish as many support groups as they can... I pray that God will give strength to all the people who are suffering from this awfull situation.
@Jo Ann,
"In my opinion, BP and the government pulled the trigger."
I agree with you...I think that I heard he committed suicide on his boat...to me, that speaks volumes....
Truly awful stuff!
the country security can not be dictated by such unsafe operations of oil drilling as we seen in the gulf of mexico and the corruption we have witnessed
It seems entirely clear that only a tiny fraction of the heavy crude gushing out of the blown BP well head is floating up to the surface or is being captured thru the BP 'cap', deep Ocean plumes and concentrations of heavy crude Oil must exist.
Very serious and very sad what happened to Allen Kruse.
These people need help!! I am so sad about Mr Kruse...
You only do this if you really want to live, and can't deal anymore with the reality you are facing.. (knew 3 people who did this, thought about reasons for them a lot..)
@Starr, nice to see you back! searched the web to see where you were 😉
BP is not following through so what are the consequences Obama is willing to impose on them?
I know in Oregon many of the problems and pressures being discussed did occur for loggers when their way of life and livelihood disappeared. Gradually there were programs to steer people toward new ways of life...maybe this Gulf situation should be one more reminder that these supportive programs are needed much more quickly for those whose paychecks suddenly disappear.
@Nancy,
"It sounds as if 6 years of stress (and maybe more than meets the eye) finally piled up for this poor man."
I have a feeling that he is not alone...6yrs of an entire State that has faced so much devastation...they were now coming back this year, and it seems like neither BP nor the Gov. care about cleaning this up ASAP!
I don't understand that...
That is so sad, I hope no one else take their own life or any one else life. Stay strong. We can all get through this one together. May the family keep the faith!
Good evening Anderson! Hello David (Indiana), friends and bloggers!
With the huge amounts of expected mental health and depression across Louisiana don't the residents there think about Bobby Jindal's urge to drill baby drill more deep sea crude Oil wells? Isn't that like building in the flood plain immediately after you get flooded and lose your home?
Also, part of the reason i have been absent from the blog is the Gulf story.
By week 4 of the spill i was so heartbroken and enraged i had to back off for a while.
So, i am absolutely horrified about the fishing captain who took his life.
IThe spill continues to be an overwhelming and heartbreaking story.
My prayers to the captain's family and many friends. I truly pray that No One else follows his pathway. As bad as at looks now, even i have some small hope that things will improve.
That is a good question Anderson. So many times we address the physical problems while ignoring the mental pressure that comes with situations like this.
RIP
I can't help but blame BP for this. They didn't pull the trigger, but if this spill didn't happen this man would likely be out there living his life.
Pray for the people of the Gulf. Many of them need a miracle.
I am so saddened that Capt. Kruse felt the life he lived was so ruined that his own life was also incomplete. The saddest thing is that this will do nothing to make BP step up and do the right thing.
100 Capt's dead will make no impact to BP, 1 dead BP exec would cause all the oil companies to begin doing the right thing but none of them have the honor to take such action for the pains they have caused and the pains which continue due to their inactions.
Rest in Peace, Allen Kruse. My condolences to his family and friends.
Evening all.
My God. So sad.
Its so sad to think that there are people who are thinking of suicide because of this. Don't let this get to you that bad, it will be fixed. No matter what trouble you are going through right now, it is just a bump in the road, and like a bump you will get over it and continue on to better things.
It sounds as if 6 years of stress (and maybe more than meets the eye) finally piled up for this poor man.
What a devastation! I pray strength for his family and others who may have similar thoughts and feelings. May additional clergy and other counselors lend their help in some way.
Are there 24hr suicide/distress hot lines set up for the people?
The death of Mr. Kruse opens another chapter in the gulf catastrophy. It shows the enormity of the situation. I hope people who are not as concerned as they should be will open up and feel the pain BP has created.
The Exxon Valdez spill sparked a huge windfall for medical doctors, I imagine a great many MD's are moving their practices to Louisiana for some quick money!
Good evening Anderson, 360 Team, Jo Ann, Mike, Nicole, David, Isabel, Megan, Nancy, Sree, Gloria, & Bloggers!
Awful news about Allen Kruse. 🙁
Good evening. Starr, you were missed.
Good evening.
Such a sad story about Allen Kruse. So many people going through too much stress.
So sad to hear about Mr. Kruse, but I can appreciate the frustrations the Gulf residents are experiencing and I can understand how their despair might drive someone to do this.
In my opinion, BP and the government pulled the trigger.
Good evening Anderson & entire team 360.
Hi, David, Isabel, Gabriela, Megan, Mike, oAnn, N. Royalton, Nancy, Nichole and everyone else.
I am glad to finally be able to be with the blog again.
I live in MNT and it is only 8PM out here and still light. Also, it is the coolest (temp. wise) part of the day for me to walk the dogs and water the garden.
Hi everyone. God rest this man's soul. Now we're starting to so see the real painful toll of this disaster.
Good Evening Anderson, 360 team; Everyone!!!
Such sad news about the charter boat captain. It must be very difficult to witness the devastation and impact on wildlife & way of life everyday...especially if that is your home & livelihood.
Hey everyone. Let's do this.
this topic makes me deeply upset
good evening
Good evening Anderson, AC360 Correspondents and fellow bloggers...
Look forward to a great show tonight!
Hello Anderson, I am so looking forward to tonight’s show. Thank you for your dedicated coverage of this disaster.
Good Evening Everyone!
Evening everyone