Trouble Below

Reports are that one of the ROVs bumped the LMRP this morning, closing one of the pressure relief vents. This allowed pressure to build inside the device and forced oil up through the hose that was delivering the clathrate-formation-suppressing antifreeze to the cap. The cessation of the flow of antifreeze could result in methane ice crystals clogging the cap and presenting back-pressure to the well. BP immediately pulled the LMRP off of the wellhead until the situation can be assessed. This action allows the well to vent oil, unrestricted, into the Gulf.
BP's actions this morning appear to confirm the fears of the folks who think that the well casing is badly damaged. Their fear is that the integrity of the well casing is so badly compromised, that a collapse of the BOP is possible. The back-pressure from the clogged cap could trigger such a collapse.

Update: Adm Allen said at the afternoon press conference that the Q4000 rig continues to draw 10,000 bbls per day of oil and gas via the choke lines on the BOP, so the leaking well is technically not "unrestricted" while the cap is removed.