BP drops manifold for junk shot

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 =

Macondo leak: BP considers options to stem oil and gas flowing from the well.

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By Noah Brenner Anthony Guegel Anthea Pitt & news wires

 12 May 2010 21:29 GMT

BP has lowered the subsea manifold needed for it to attempt to plug the blow-out Macondo well with a “junk shot".

The Macondo well, in Mississippi Canyon Block 252, is pumping an estimated 5000 barrels per day into the Gulf of Mexico.

Deploying the manifold to the sea floor was the first step in a bid to plug the well’s blowout preventer (BOP) and stop the flow of oil.

The UK supermajor is still about a week away from attempting the junk shot, which is the first step in an attempt to staunch the well with a top kill, BP chief operating office Doug Suttles said at a press conference today.

The top kill option…

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