The Response of One

Swinson Schipman is a member of our congregation and active in the church choir. He recently volunteered his boat and services to BP by joining the fleet of vessels of opportunity. Below is his story about what is happening on the front lines of our shores.

Written by Swinson Schipman

I’m working on oil clean-up in the Gulf of Mexico. Our assignment is Task Force Four Near-shore Skimmers, and our fleet consists of about 20 charter fishing boats. Our day begins before daylight loading food, water, and supplies (pom-poms, sausage boom, diesel wipes, shovels, rakes, plastic bags, Tyvek suits, surgical gloves, rubber gloves, duct tape). After a meeting to go over safety and activities of the day before, we are assigned to look for oil within five miles of the beach. We usually work between Pensacola and Perdido passes.

Once oil is located, we first determine whether it can be collected. Collection can be difficult because the oil comes in many different forms: sometimes a patch as big as a bedspread, six inches deep, and the consistency of mayonnaise; sometimes tar balls of varying sizes; and sometimes a thin sheen on the water’s surface. If we determine it can be collected, the Hazwopper (Hazardous Waste Operations Person) and the deck hand get dressed for work. Collection uniform consists of a Tyvek coverall, surgical gloves, heavy rubber gloves, steel-toed rubber boots, and safety glasses. All cuffs are taped shut with duct tape. This is worn over street clothes (long pants, shirt, socks and shoes) AND life preserver. Very, very hot!!! We can work a maximum of 15 minutes in these uniforms, given the 100+ degree heat, followed by a mandatory 45 minute cooling down period. Then we repeat. At the end of our work day, each boat must go through decontamination. Oil is removed from the sides before the boat is allowed back into the bay. This is an attempt to avoid contaminating inland waterways. Most days end just before dark.

Sometimes we’re able to collect the “mayonnaise” with rakes and shovels, sometimes we must use adsorbent pompoms, sometimes absorbent sausage boom. What we collect is brought into the boat and double- bagged in huge heavy plastic bags, sealed with duct tape and zip ties to be deposited on a collection barge anchored nearby.

Three points I’d like to make: First: what we’re doing has never been done before. The BP and government agency people here on the job have willingly provided tools, supplies, and whatever we request. We’re all looking for techniques that work .However, it’s ALL NEW to EVERYONE involved! Second: it doesn’t help to try to place blame for what’s happened. All the people with whom we’ve come in contact have been most cooperative. Blaming and back-biting only serve to make a terrible situation that much worse. Third: another criticism has been about the money being paid. I’m sure there are some people profiting from this catastrophe. However, most of those working are people whose livelihoods have been directly affected by the oil spill. The money they’re making helps offset their losses.

People involved say very little about the situation. We all realize that our way of life is severely threatened, and the stress on the faces of many of the workers is clearly visible. Most of us have determined that we must do whatever is asked of us to help this community to survive.

Entrance Named For Watson Aldridge

The trustees and building committee of First United Methodist Church honored Watson Aldridge for his hard work and selfless service by naming the newly constructed north entrance to Wesley Abbey the “Aldridge Entrance.”  Watson, and his wife Anne, were surprised by this announcement at the lobby dedication on March 14th during ICON.  A plaque has been placed in the lobby commemorating Watson and his service.  Watson has overseen the renovation and construction of the Perry Home/Wesley Abbey project.  Congratulations Watson and thank you for everything that you do!

R and R Project Photos