Bay of Campeche

The World

Ixtoc spill still around after 30 years: how long for BP gusher?

Environment

In 1979, an explosion on the Ixtoc 1 oil platform caused the world’s worst accidental oil spill 50 miles off Mexico’s Gulf Coast. The 2010 spill could surpass the Ixtoc if it, too, takes nine months to cap.

Tell us about your experience accessing The World

We want to hear your feedback so we can keep improving our website, theworld.org. Please fill out this quick survey and let us know your thoughts (your answers will be anonymous). Thanks for your time!

We respect your time, attention and privacy

This is a news website, not a click casino. We do NOT employ deceptive behaviors, display annoying ads or use third party cookies and trackers to monetize your visit or help advertisers track you across the internet.

Simply, we ask that you would consider a donation to support the journalism we produce every weekday. Thank you.