Oil Spill News

The recent Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion that left eleven people dead on the 20th of April, 2010, has been the center of a major oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. It has become big news because that explosion has resulted in the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history. This oil Spill News is today, one of the most followed news leads not only in the U.S. but also all over the globe.

Deepwater Horizon History

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig was an ultra deepwater offshore, semi-submersible drilling rig. Built in Korea in the year 2001, the Deepwater Horizon Rig was owned by Transocean but leased out to BP plc. It carried a registration from Majuro in the Marshall Islands. In the last few months of 2009, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig had drilled the deepest oil well in history.

The explosion of the oil rig caused a fire that could not be extinguished thus resulting in the sinking of the rig two days later. This left the well gushing and in turn causing the massive oil spill that has caused havoc in the Gulf of Mexico.

Ongoing Oil Spill News

The amount of oil that is being released on a daily basis out of the well is estimated at anything from 12,000 barrels to 100,000 barrels. This is equivalent to anything from 500,000 to just over 4,000,000 Gallons.

The oil spill so far has been an environmental catastrophe and has affected the lives of many people along the Gulf of Mexico. It has already done damage to the fishing and tourism industries and marine and wildlife habitats.

People are working around the clock trying to contain the oil spill. The oil spill news and everything that has happened, has brought in people from all over to try to help save the environment. Even President Barack Obama has been seen on beaches affected by the oil spill. One of the biggest oil spill news has been on the slow response from the Government and the President in particular.

BP Plc has also come under fire from both the U.S. Government and Environmentalists for the whole problem. Mounting pressure on the company has forced them to quicken their efforts in controlling the oil spill. The company is also bracing itself for lawsuits and claims that are sure to be brought out against them.

At this moment, the U.S. National coast Guard, in conjunction with the Minerals Management Service, is carrying out investigations into the causes of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig Explosion and resulting oil spill.

Here, you will find the latest Oil Spill News stories that will keep you updated with all that is happening.