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.

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 “no guarantees”.

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.