Failed Attempts at the BP Oil Spill

Forty-three days after the leak was created, almost a third of the Gulf of Mexico has been declared a no-fishing zone by the US. All attempts to stop the leak have failed. In case you’ve lost track, here’s a recounting of the failed attempts:

May 2nd – BP starts drilling relief well (will not be effective until August).
May 7th – The massive containment dome is lowered but fails due to frozen hydrocarbons clogging the pipe through the dome.
May 9th – The “junk shot” attempts to stuff the pipe with shredded tires, golf balls, and other materials but fails to stop the leak.
May 26th – May 29th – The “top kill” pumps heavy liquids and other materials into the well shaft but also fails. June 1st – A new plan for a new containment dome is created.
June 2nd – A saw gets stuck in the well preventing any efforts until later in the week.

For a full timeline of the oil spill, click here.