Oil threat to Florida as eleven missing

The rig, off the Louisiana coast, caught fire and suffered explosions about a week ago before going down. Eleven people are missing, presumed dead.

Initially it was thought that there were no further leaks, but US Coast Guard commander Rear Admiral Mary Landry has confirmed that a serious spill is occurring.

She said that perhaps 1000 barrels a day have been leaking from the 5000ft-deep oil drill site.

There are concerns as to how the leak can be stopped. Landry admitted that it could take months, using ROVs.

The US Coast Guard has said that it plans to set fire to the spill this week, in an attempt to diminish its pollutive effects.

This will be done by creating a "controlled burn", bordered by containment booms.

Based on the movements of currents, it is expected that oil will pass through the Florida Keys.

Any oil that gets into the Florida Loop Current will pass along the Florida Reef Tract, past the Keys and on to Florida's east coast.