Deepwater Horizon disaster
The Deepwater Horizon disaster killed 11 workers and released oil for 87 days, causing extensive ecological and economic damage.
- When
- April–July 2010
- Where
- Gulf of Mexico
The Deepwater Horizon disaster killed 11 workers and released oil for 87 days, causing extensive ecological and economic damage.
Background
Drilling at the Macondo well
The drilling operation depended on multiple barriers intended to prevent hydrocarbons escaping uncontrollably. The disaster exposed failures across technical systems and decision-making; it was not simply an unavoidable feature of working offshore.[1]
What happened
- 20 April 2010
Explosion and prolonged spill
The rig exploded, killing 11 people and injuring 17. Oil then escaped from the well for 87 days, reaching marine habitats and shorelines and disrupting communities dependent on coastal resources.[2]
Impact & evidence
Oil reaching the environment
NOAA reports approximately 3.19 million barrels, or 134 million US gallons, released into the Gulf. This figure should not be confused with larger estimates of total well discharge that include oil captured before reaching the water.[2]
Aftermath & legacy
Restoration and continuing consequences
Settlements funded restoration and other programmes, but financial totals do not measure every ecological or household loss. Recovery involved fisheries, habitats and coastal livelihoods, with research continuing long after the visible slick disappeared.[2]
Sources & image credits (2)
Unknown author Image source ↗
