BP crews make progress on new cap for Gulf oil leak, removing flange to make room for new gear

Work on new cap for Gulf oil leak moves ahead

NEW ORLEANS — Work on a new cap for the gushing oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico has outpaced officials’ expectations so far, with robotic submarines completing most of the removal work necessary on the broken well.

Overnight, a top flange on the leaking well was removed. That equipment has to make way for a new flange spool, a piece that will connect the new cap to the well.

The old cap, which allowed some oil to keep pouring into the Gulf, came off Saturday. That allowed millions of gallons of oil to pour almost unimpeded into the water, but officials say the new cap will form a perfect seal.

BP and Coast Guard officials hope the work can be done within three to six days.

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

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Work on a new cap for the gushing oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico has outpaced officials’ expectations so far, with robotic submarines completing most of the removal work necessary on the broken well.

Overnight, a top flange on the leaking well was removed. That equipment has to make way for a new flange spool, a piece that will connect the new cap to the well.

The old cap, which allowed some oil to keep pouring into the Gulf, came off Saturday. That allowed millions of gallons of oil to pour almost unimpeded into the water, but officials say the new cap will form a perfect seal.

BP and Coast Guard officials hope the work can be done within three to six days.