BP steps up efforts to capture more oil through second containment device at seafloor

BP steps up efforts to capture more oil

NEW ORLEANS — BP has started its most ambitious effort to date in its attempt to capture oil flowing from its well a mile beneath the surface of the Gulf of Mexico.

Company spokesman Robert Wine said Wednesday that oil is being sucked up to a ship at the surface through lines installed in the blowout preventer at the sea floor. The oil is flowing through equipment originally installed for BP’s failed “top kill” attempt to block the well with mud. The crude eventually will be burned by a massive flaring device.

Wine said crews were still testing the process early Wednesday and it was unclear whether the burn had started.

The process has the potential to significantly boost the amount of oil being contained. BP is currently containing about 630,000 gallons a day.