News - National
Gulf leak may be 5 times bigger than first believed
Posted: Apr 29, 2010 6:15 AM by Bea Karnes, News First 5
Updated: Apr 29, 2010 6:15 AM
The Coast Guard says five times more oil a day than previously believed is spewing into the Gulf from the blown-out well 5,000 feet down. The Coast Guard says it's a new leak.
The company trying to contain the spill disputes the figures.
Rear Adm. Mary Landry says that 5,000 barrels a day is now estimated to be leaking. Officials had been saying for days that it was 1,000 barrels a day.
She also says the Secretary of Homeland Security has briefed the president on this new information. She says the government has offered to have the Department of Defense help contain the spill.
Officials say the leading edge of the oil is nearing the Louisiana coast.
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