Shell has launched a recovery operation after 2,000 barrels of oil spilled into the Gulf of Mexico.
A 13-mile wide oil slick stretched across the surface of the water, after 88,000 gallons of an oil-water mixture was released from the Glider Field, located 97 miles south of Port Fourchon in Louisiana.
The oil major has since sent support vessels and aircraft to the site.
A company spokesperson said: “The trajectory is in a westerly direction with no shoreline impacts anticipated at this time.
“Skimming continued today using infrared technology with support from aerial resources. Joint efforts have recovered approximately 1,826 barrels, over 76,600 gallons, of oily-water mixture. On-water recovery efforts are ongoing. Shell has mobilized equipment to begin repairs.”
The site has four underwater oil wells.
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has launched an investigation into the spill’s cause.
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