BP SPILL CONTAINMENT EFFORT STALLS AS SAW STICKS

02.06.2010 [22:51]
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Baku, June 2 (AZERTAC). An effort to contain the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has stalled as a saw used to cut through damaged oil pipes has become stuck, according to BBC.

The latest plan to contain the spill involves cutting away damaged oil pipes and positioning a containment dome, known as a top cap, over the open well.

In a briefing from the southern state of Louisiana Wednesday, Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen said the first of two pipes had been cut, but the saw became stuck while attempting to cut the second pipe.

Allen said crews with oil giant BP are using submersible robots to free the saw blade and are considering using a second saw, as well.

The largest oil spill in U.S. history has already come ashore in the southern Gulf states of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. There are reports that the slick is closing in on the Florida coastline.

BP officials say the process of sawing the pipes is risky because it will at least temporarily increase the flow of oil from the broken well.

BP SPILL CONTAINMENT EFFORT STALLS AS SAW STICKS

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