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Boat Hits Well, Triggers New Gulf Oil Leak

Louisiana's coast has another (smaller) spill to fight

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 27, 2010 3:55 PM CDT

(Newser) – A tow boat struck an abandoned well off the coast of Louisiana today, sending a plume of oil and gas into the air. Crews are at the site, near Mud Lake, and expect to have it under control today. Booms and oil-skimming equipment were already in the area, which has been dealing with oil from the BP spill. The AP describes the affected region as a "network of bayous and lakes north of Barataria Bay, an ecologically sensitive coastal estuary." The resulting oil slick is a mile long and 50 yards wide.

Oil spews from a wellhead in Barataria Bay on the coast of Louisiana Tuesday after it was struck by a tugboat.
Oil spews from a wellhead in Barataria Bay on the coast of Louisiana Tuesday after it was struck by a tugboat.   (Patrick Semansky)
Oil spews from a wellhead in Barataria Bay on the coast of Louisiana Tuesday after it was struck by a tugboat.
Oil spews from a wellhead in Barataria Bay on the coast of Louisiana Tuesday after it was struck by a tugboat.   (Patrick Semansky)
Oil spews from a wellhead in Barataria Bay on the coast of Louisiana Tuesday after it was struck by a tugboat.
Oil spews from a wellhead in Barataria Bay on the coast of Louisiana Tuesday after it was struck by a tugboat.   (Patrick Semansky)
Oil spews from a wellhead in Barataria Bay on the coast of Louisiana, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 after it was struck by a tugboat. A crew capable of capping the well is expected onsite later Tuesday.
Oil spews from a wellhead in Barataria Bay on the coast of Louisiana, Tuesday, July 27, 2010 after it was struck by a tugboat. A crew capable of capping the well is expected onsite later Tuesday.   (Patrick Semansky)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 22 comments
YetAnotherCollegeKid
Jul 28, 2010 10:42 AM CDT
Why did they abandon it? It seems like a high-pressure shaft.
fishhook
Jul 28, 2010 9:38 AM CDT
Wonder how many of these accidents are forthcoming? Legacy of oil, can't live without it, can't live with it. Aren't all those empty well heads marked on coastal charts?
janbee
Jul 28, 2010 7:07 AM CDT
The pendulum swings back -- first we get Drill Baby Drill, now it's the Spill of the Month Club -- wonder if those Repukes that have been connected at the hip with the oil companies -- Will have the Chutzpah to step up now, and explain how this is a Dem thing??? Corporate America, especially oil companies have demonstrated over the past 40 years or more not to be trusted. BTW, Can a Jet Ski hit one of these things and cause a leak??? ;)
US

 
Louisiana • oil leak • Gulf oil spill • Barataria Bay

 
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