Some analysts say there could be an environmental disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. The fears rose after the Deep Horizon drilling rig leased by the BP exploded and sank off the Louisiana coast last week, BBC reported.
Some 1,000 barrels of oil a day are leaking into the sea from the damaged well, officials say.
They say the oil leak has the potential to damage beaches, barrier islands and wetlands across the coastline. Poor weather conditions offshore delayed cleanup efforts on Saturday. Authorities said the rescue search for missing 11 workers had been suspended on Friday. More than 100 other workers were rescued in the operation.
Some 1,000 barrels of oil a day are leaking into the sea from the damaged well, officials say.
They say the oil leak has the potential to damage beaches, barrier islands and wetlands across the coastline. Poor weather conditions offshore delayed cleanup efforts on Saturday. Authorities said the rescue search for missing 11 workers had been suspended on Friday. More than 100 other workers were rescued in the operation.
The Deepwater Horizon had been burning for 36 hours when it sank on Thursday in 5,000 ft (1,500m) of water, despite efforts to control the flames. It was carrying out exploratory drilling 84km (52 miles) south-east of Venice, Louisiana when the blast occurred.