BP has activated an extensive oil spill response in the Gulf of Mexico following the fire and sinking on the Transocean Deepwater Horizon. Below is a press release from BP.

BP is assisting Transocean in an assessment of the well and subsea blow out preventer with
remotely operated vehicles.
BP has also initiated a plan for the drilling of a relief well, if required. A nearby drilling rig will
be used to drill the well. The rig is available to begin activity immediately.
BP has mobilized a flotilla of vessels and resources that includes:
- significant mechanical recovery capacity;
- 32 spill response vessels including a large storage barge;
- skimming capacity of more than 171,000 barrels per day, with more available if needed;
- offshore storage capacity of 122,000 barrels and additional 175,000 barrels available and
on standby;
- supplies of more than 100,000 gallons of dispersants and four aircraft ready to spray
dispersant to the spill, and the pre-approval of the US Coast Guard to use them;
- 500,000 feet of boom increasing to 1,000,000 feet of boom by day's end;
- pre-planned forecasting of 48-hour spill trajectory which indicates spilled oil will remain
well offshore during that period;
- pre-planned staging of resources for protection of environmentally sensitive areas.

"We are determined to do everything in our power to contain this oil spill and resolve the
situation as rapidly, safely and effectively as possible," said Group Chief Executive Tony
Hayward.
"We have assembled and are now deploying world-class facilities, resources and
expertise, and can call on more if needed. There should be no doubt of our resolve to limit the
escape of oil and protect the marine and coastal environments from its effects."

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