BP says engineers using underwater robots have removed a leaking containment cap from the damaged oil well that is gushing oil into the Gulf of Mexico.
The move is the first step in an operation to install a bigger cap that should capture all of the leaking oil.
BP says the procedure will take from four to seven days. In the meantime, oil will gush from the leak.
BP has been under pressure to halt the oil, which has polluted coastlines on all five U.S. Gulf states since the rig exploded in late April
An estimated 60,000 barrels are gushing from the damaged well each day.
Kent Wells, senior vice president of exploration and production for BP, said the energy firm has another cap ready to install if the new, bolted-on cap and seal does not work.
compiled from agency reports
The move is the first step in an operation to install a bigger cap that should capture all of the leaking oil.
BP says the procedure will take from four to seven days. In the meantime, oil will gush from the leak.
BP has been under pressure to halt the oil, which has polluted coastlines on all five U.S. Gulf states since the rig exploded in late April
An estimated 60,000 barrels are gushing from the damaged well each day.
Kent Wells, senior vice president of exploration and production for BP, said the energy firm has another cap ready to install if the new, bolted-on cap and seal does not work.
compiled from agency reports