Coast Guard: New leak from spot where platform exploded, sank in Gulf of Mexico

Coast Guard: New oil leak in Gulf of Mexico

NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard says a new leak has been found at the site where an oil platform exploded and sank in the Gulf of Mexico.

Rear Adm. Mary Landry says that 5,000 barrels a day is now estimated to be leaking. Officials had been saying for days that it was 1,000 barrels a day.

She also says the Secretary of Homeland Security has briefed the president on this new information. She says the government has offered to have the Department of Defense help contain the spill.

Landry says National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration experts upgraded the figure based on aerial surveys, study of the trajectory of the oil slick and other factors.

Officials say the leading edge of the oil was nearing the Louisiana coast.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) —The Coast Guard says a new leak has been found at the site where an oil platform exploded and sank in the Gulf of Mexico.

Rear Adm. Mary Landry says that 5,000 barrels a day is now estimated to be leaking. Officials had been saying for days that it was 1,000 barrels a day.

She also says the Secretary of Homeland Security has briefed the president on this new information. She says the government has offered to have the Department of Defense help contain the spill.

Rear Admiral Mary Landry says National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration experts upgraded the figure based on aerial surveys, study of the trajectory of the oil slick and other factors.

Officials say the leading edge of the oil was nearing the Louisiana coast.