Businesses fearful as oil slick creeps towards coast

Hundreds of hotel owners, fishermen and restaurateurs feared for their livelihoods today as a giant oil slick from a wrecked rig site oozed towards America’s Gulf Coast.

Business people and residents could only watch as the oil slick spread from the drilling rig and forecasters say it could wash ashore within days near delicate wetlands, oyster beds and pristine white beaches.