If you want to read of another fun fuck up, read about the time mankind set light to the coal seam under Centralia in 1962. It's predicted to burn for another 250 years.
It was only logical to fuel the research project in Centralia with fire.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hashima_Island
I don't think they ever had problems with flooding from the sea, but it was certainly dangerous enough to work there due to regular mining and industrial hazards. Also apparently it was very hot and humid in the mine.
Why the hold up? if it's common knowledge, why deny it?
and probably reparations