New cointainment cap may bring oil spill disaster to an end

Former coastguard chief Thad Allen, who is leading the US governments response to the disaster, said the cap is expected to last between six to 48 hours, “or more depending on the measurements that are observed.”

The cap, called “Top Hat 10”, has been attached to the leaking pipe by robotic submarines, 1.6 kilometres down on the sea floor.

The operation was carried out in near darkness, save for special lights which allowed for relayed live pictures of the operation to be taken. The next step for engineers is to close valves on the colossal 75- tonne system, and take readings as the pressure sensors bear the enormous impact of the gusher. This may possibly bringing the 13-week long disaster to a close, which has released 2.1 to 4.1 million barrels of oil into the sea.

"It is expected, although cannot be assured, that no oil will be released to the ocean for the duration of the test," BP said.

If the pressure readings are high enough, BP officials have suggested the well is properly sealed as the valves will be kept shut. However, if pressure readings are too low, that would indicate a leak somewhere in the casing of the well.

"The measurements that will be taken during this test will provide valuable information about the condition of the well below the sea level and help determine whether or not it is possible to shut the well for a period of time, such as during a hurricane or bad weather, between now and when the relief wells are complete," Allen added.

Oil has reached the beaches of all five Gulf states; Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. The spill forced fishing grounds to be closed and has threatened numerous coastal communities.