Massive oil spill may reach Florida and beyond
President Obama traveled to Louisiana yesterday for a first-hand briefing on the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The “Deepwater Horizon” oil rig exploded on April 20th, rupturing its well and eventually sinking into the Gulf. An estimated 200,000 gallons of oil are gushing into the Gulf each day, as federal government and BP officials frantically explore options to contain the spill.
The oil slick is expected to hit the coasts of Mississippi and Alabama; if the oil gets into the Gulf Stream, it could extend to the beaches of Florida and beyond.
The New York Times reporter Campbell Robertson is covering the story from Gulfport, Miss. Mike Tidwell is author of “Bayou Farewell.” He explains the scope and size of drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and the likelihood of human error causing a disaster of this scale.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!