Laila Morcos ABC26 News

May 31, 2010
NEW ORLEANS—
Since the start of the oil spill, British Petroleum has made eight different attempts to stop the oil from shooting out in the gulf. So far, nothing has worked.

It's been 42 days since the Deepwater Horizon explosion. It's been 42 days of oil spewing into the Gulf of Mexico and so far, no attempt to stop the oil has been a complete success. When the rig exploded, workers tried to activate the blowout preventer designed to seal the well. That didn't work.

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Four days later, underwater robots worked to activate the blowout preventer. That was another failure.

The next attempt was to try to use a shut off valve. At least that plugged up one hole, but not the other two. Still, continued oil flowing.

Then, BP constructed that massive, four-story containment dome that was supposed to be placed on top of the leak. Oil would rise through pipes to a ship on the gulf surface. But the dome opening got clogged with gas hydrates. Again, that was unsuccessful.

While tensions rise over so many unsuccessful attempts to stop the leak, BP decided to use the "top hat" method. That plan was abandoned. Instead, workers inserted a tube that helped divert some of the oil. But not all.

Last week, BP attempted the "top kill" method -- funneling thousands of barrels of mud into the leak. That was another failure.

Next was the "junk shot." Similar to the "top kill" method -- golf balls and tires were to try to plug the leak. Still, no go.

Now, BP is trying another attempt. This time, the riser will be cut and capped. If successful, workers will be able to collect, but not all of the gushing oil. And in regards to a relief well -- that isn't expected until August.

Controlled burns of oil have also been effective, but only if weather conditions are right.