Gulf oil heading towards Florida

US scientists are reporting that the first oil from the Gulf of Mexico spill has entered an ocean current that could take it to Florida and up the east coast of the US.



The European Space Agency says satellite images suggest that oil could reach the coral reefs of the Florida Keys within six days.



The agency says the images show a stream of oil extending south into the Loop Current.



The scientists are warning that the turbulent Loop Current could mix the oil and water, making it difficult to track the oil\'s progress in the coming days.



Meanwhile, the US Coast Guard say tests showed that tar balls that washed up on Florida beaches in recent days did not originate from the oil spill off Louisiana.