NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A rig drilling a relief well meant to stanch
a gushing flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico is ahead of schedule
and could reach its target over the next three to four weeks.
That's according to Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen. He said
Thursday that a drill from a rig near the ruptured well is nearly
10,000 feet below the seafloor. He says it should come within 10
feet of the existing well within the next few weeks.
Afterward, the drill bit will bore down about 1,000 feet and
then intersect with the damaged well farther underground.
Allen says the final push of drilling is the most difficult. The
drilling was originally slated for completion in mid-August.
Once the drill reaches its target, BP will pump heavy mud down
the relief well in an attempt to stop the flow.

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