BP misses on first tube try

In this May 11, 2010 image released by BP shows the main oil leak (R) of the Deepwater Horizon rig which exploded April 20 and killed 11 workers. British BP has accepted responsibility for the cleanup of what could become the worst oil spill in US history, and is leading efforts to stop an estimated 210,000 gallons of oil leaking into the sea each day. AFP PHOTO/BP = RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE = NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN =
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By Noah Brenner Anthony Guegel Anthea Pitt and wire reports

 15 May 2010 19:27 GMT

BP missed on its first attempt to place the riser insertion tube into the end of the leaking Macondo riser on Friday night and into Saturday.



The plan called for ROVs to put a 6-inch pipe into the end of the 21-inch riser.

Around the pipe is a stopper-like washer that will plug the end of the riser and diver all the flow into the smaller tube.

BP operations boss Doug Suttles said that the tool shifted inside its metal frame, making it impossible to connect to the riser.

Crews hauled the riser insertion tube back up to the surface and adjusted the frame and then lowered it back down to the seafloor for another attempt by mid-day…

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