"VENICE, La./HOUSTON --BP Plc said on Saturday the complex 'top kill' maneuver to plug its Gulf of Mexico oil well has failed, crushing hopes for a quick end to the largest oil spill in U.S. history already in its 40th day.
'We have not been able to stop the flow,' said Doug Suttles, the London-based oil giant's chief operating officer.
'We have made the decision to move on to the next option,' he added.
That next option is called the lower marine riser package cap, one that captures oil from the well rather than plug it. Suttles said it could take four days or longer to show results.
U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Mary Landry, flanking Suttles at a daily briefing, said the news of the top kill failure was disappointing and that the best option for ending the spill was drilling a relief well which BP estimates will take two months."
Ed Stoddard and Mary Milliken report for Reuters May 29, 6:54 pm ET.
'We have made the decision to move on to the next option,' he added.
That next option is called the lower marine riser package cap, one that captures oil from the well rather than plug it. Suttles said it could take four days or longer to show results.
U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Mary Landry, flanking Suttles at a daily briefing, said the news of the top kill failure was disappointing and that the best option for ending the spill was drilling a relief well which BP estimates will take two months."
Ed Stoddard and Mary Milliken report for Reuters May 29, 6:54 pm ET.
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