BP is scheduled to remove a failed blowout preventer from the Maconda well that spilled millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.
The removal of the equipment will likely happen either Saturday or Sunday and precedes final steps towards plugging the leak for good. Retired Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen said in a briefing that due to rough seas likely caused by Hurricane Earl had prevented BP from continuing with the removal.
“We believe in the next 24 to 36 hours, we will enter a weather window that will allow us to proceed,” he said.
The relief well being drilled is nearing its target depth, lacking only 50 feet before it intersects with the Macondo well and is projected to reach the damaged well after the Labor Day holiday.