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Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

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The Deepwater Horizon oil spill of 2010, one of the largest marine oil spills, occurred in the Gulf of Mexico, releasing 4.9 million barrels of oil. The explosion on the BP-operated rig caused 11 deaths and severe ecological damage. Investigations led to legal actions against BP, Transocean, and Halliburton, with BP being found grossly negligent. The spill's long-term effects continue to influence marine life and industries.

Overview of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill, also referred to as the BP oil spill, commenced on April 20, 2010, in the Gulf of Mexico on the BP-operated Macondo Prospect. Recognized as the most substantial marine oil spill in the annals of the petroleum industry, it released an estimated 4.9 million barrels of oil into the ocean. The disaster was precipitated by a blowout that caused an explosion on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig, resulting in the loss of 11 lives and injuries to 17 others. The spill inflicted severe damage on marine and wildlife habitats and adversely affected the fishing and tourism industries in the Gulf region. Remediation efforts included the deployment of skimmer ships, floating booms, controlled burns, and the application of chemical dispersants to break down the oil.
Brown pelican soaked in oil on a beach with a background of blue sea and an iridescent oil spill slick, clear sky.

The Deepwater Horizon Drilling Rig

The Deepwater Horizon was a state-of-the-art, semi-submersible offshore drilling rig with the capability to operate in depths up to 10,000 feet. Owned by Transocean and leased by BP, the rig was engaged in drilling an exploratory well at a depth of approximately 5,100 feet below the ocean surface at the time of the incident. The Macondo Prospect, situated roughly 41 miles off the coast of Louisiana, was a project involving multiple stakeholders, with BP owning a 65% working interest, Anadarko Petroleum Corporation 25%, and MOEX Offshore 2007, a subsidiary of Mitsui, holding the remaining 10%.

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00

The ______ Horizon disaster, also known as the BP oil spill, began on ______ 20, 2010, in the ______ of Mexico.

Deepwater

April

Gulf

01

The catastrophe was triggered by a ______ that led to an explosion on the drilling rig, claiming ______ lives and injuring 17.

blowout

11

02

The oil spill caused extensive harm to ______ and wildlife habitats and negatively impacted the ______ and tourism sectors in the Gulf area.

marine

fishing

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