New and improved cap for Gulf of Mexico oil spill

The containment cap over the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is being removed, so a better one can be installed. The new cap is bigger and completely seals, stopping leaks from both the top and bottom. However, the operation could take up to seven days to complete.

It has been almost three months since the what is now the worst oil spill in US history. Multi-billion pound fishing, tourist and drilling industries have all been suffering at a time when US unemployment is high.

The environmental fall-out has also been severe. Beaches have been affected in every one of the five American states bordering the Gulf of Mexico. Birds, sea turtles and dolphins have all been killed.

BP are hoping this new cap finally provides a solution.

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