BP prepares new attempt to curb oil spill

UK based Oil Company, BP, is beginning preparations for a new attempt to curb the massive spill from its leaking well in the Gulf of Mexico.



The firm plans to lower a containment cap over the well in the hope that most of the oil can be piped to the surface.



BP says the attempt, in which undersea robots will cut a pipe and position the device, could initially increase the flow, but success is not guaranteed.



The fresh tactic follows the failure of BP's so-called "top kill" bid to stem the leak by pumping mud into the well.



So far at least 20 million gallons have now spilled into the Gulf, affecting more than 70 miles or 110 kilometres of Louisiana's coastline.