Federal scientists survey spill to see if oil is in powerful current that could take to Fla.

Feds: Most oil still not near strong loop current

MIAMI — Government scientists surveyed the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday to determine if oil from a massive spill off Louisiana entered a powerful current that could take it to Florida.

Jane Lubchenco, administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said aerial surveys showed some tendrils of light oil close to or already in the loop current, which circulates in the Gulf and takes water south to the Florida Keys and the Gulf Stream. But most oil remained dozens of miles away from the current.

Lubchenco said it would take about eight to 10 days after oil enters the current before it begins to reach Florida. But scientists from the University of South Florida forecast it could reach Key West by Sunday.

Meantime, 20 tar balls were found off Key West on Monday, and several others on Tuesday, though it had not yet been determined if they were from the Gulf spill. Tar balls can occur naturally or come from other sources such as ships.