Five years ago today, the worst oil spill in US history claimed the lives of 11 workers, and poured an estimated 200 million gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. They had, ironically, been presented with a safety award earlier in the day.

The fishing and tourism industries along the gulf coast were crippled for months.There is still a perception in parts of the US that gulf seafood isn't safe.

Investigations revealed gross negligence on the part of multiple companies, and individuals. Criminal charges were filed against BP, Transocean, and several individuals. The federal government sued 9 companies. The president imposed a drilling moratorium, sparking outrage along the gulf coast by idling a substantial portion of the region's workforce.

Several settlements have been reached between the government and the companies involved. AP reports claims administrator announced more the 5 billion dollars in claims have been paid. The thousands of lawsuits resulting from the disaster will likely be in litigation for years to come.

Most of the subsequent media coverage has centered on gallons, barrells, and dollars. No amount of money will bring these people back: Jason Anderson, Midfield, Texas, Aaron Dale "Bubba" Burkeen, Philadelphia, Miss., Donald Clark, Newellton, La., Stephen Ray Curtis, Georgetown, La.,Gordon Jones, Baton Rouge, La., Roy Wyatt Kemp, Jonesville, La., Karl Kleppinger Jr. Natchez, Miss., Keith Blair Manuel, Gonzales, La., Dewey A. Revette, State Line, Miss., Shane M. Roshto, Liberty, Miss., Adam Weise, Yorktown, Texas.

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