BP launches untried procedure in bid to plug underwater well

BP has launched its latest bid to plug the gushing well in the Gulf of Mexico by force-feeding it heavy drilling mud, a manoeuvre never before tried 5,000ft underwater.

BP launches untried procedure in bid to plug underwater well

The oil giant’s chief executive gave the procedure, known as a top kill, a 60% to 70% chance of working, and US president Barack Obama cautioned yesterday that there were ā€œno guaranteesā€.

BP spokesman Steve Rinehart said the company would pump mud for hours, and officials have indicated it may be a couple of days before they know whether the procedure is working.

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