Owners Of BP Rig Want To Talk To Witness Before Trial

Lawyers for the owners of the drilling rig that exploded at the start of the BP spill are asking a judge to make a key witness talk to them before their trial.

Attorneys for Transocean want to interview Donald Vidrine, who was BP's well site leader when the well blew April 20, 2010.

Court papers filed Sunday say he's a key source of information about critical events and decisions made just before the blowout. He was subpoenaed, but his lawyer says medical problems keep him from giving a deposition in person or in writing.

Attorneys for Transocean say medical problems are not an acceptable reason for refusing to testify.

The trial is scheduled for Feb. 27.