BP: First successful method to catch leaking Gulf oil now collecting 2,000 barrels a day

BP: 2,000 barrels a day now captured from oil leak

HAMMOND, La. — BP says its mile-long tube siphoning oil from a blown-out well is bringing more crude to the surface.

In a news release Tuesday, BP PLC says the narrow tube is now drawing 2,000 barrels a day for collection in a tanker, double the amount when it started operation Sunday.

BP Chief Operating Officer Doug Suttles has said the company hopes the method can draw about half the leaking oil.

BP have put the leak at 5,000 barrels a day from the crippled well, but officials say its a rough estimate at best. Scientists who have studied video of the leak say the amount could be significantly more.