Marine disaster unfolds in Timor Sea
Updated on 23 October 2009
The West Atlas oil rig continues to leak crude oil into the ocean off the coast of Australia following a rupture nine weeks ago. Julian Rush reports.
It is thought the West Atlas oil platform leak could be a lot worse than originally thought.
Millions of litres have now escaped into the Timor Sea and already the long-term damage is being compared to the Exxon Valdez disaster of 1989.
The rupture occured on 21 August, and the last three attempts to stop the flow from escaping have failed.
Rig operator PTTEP Australasia yesterday recovered a piece of what it believes to be casing from the damaged pipeline.
It claims the finding could indicate they are mere centimetres from their target.
Handout image of oil slick after leak began in August 2009:
Photo courtesy of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority
NASA / MODIS image taken from the Terra satellite
Photo by Chris Twomey / Australian Greens, courtesy of WA Today
