BP Gulf Oil Spill Facts & Statistics

According to the U.S. Census, more oil spills have occurred in the Gulf of Mexico over the past decade than those that took place in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans combined. Although the least number of oil spills occurred as a result of damage to pipelines, the number of such environmental tragedies caused by rigs and other non-vessels (i.e. any stationary facility, rather than an oil tanker or oil-transporting seacraft) have been on the rise. Tragically, even the smallest oil spill can cause exponential damage that can affect an area that is more than five times the amount of oil leaked.

When oil spills occur, the effects are devastating on a myriad of levels. While individuals present at the source of explosion or spill can be seriously injured or even killed, the contaminated waters destroy the environment, and the industries that depend on these waters face severe financial losses.

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Facts

Owned by BP Exploration & Production, the Deepwater Horizon is a fifth-generation oilrig that lies approximately 41 miles off the coast of Louisiana near the Mississippi River Delta. In April 2010, a wellhead blowout aboard this vessel exploded, causing tens of thousands of crude oil to permeate through the crystalline waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Although initial reports suggested that between 1,000 and 5,000 barrels of oil were being leaked each day, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that between 20,000 and 25,000 barrels are actually being leaked daily.

The following are some current facts and statistics regarding the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill:

Eleven individuals were killed and 17 were injured as a result of the initial wellhead explosion
Maritime industries (such as the fishing and shrimping industries) are expected to lose around $2.5 billion in revenues
The tourism industry along the Paradise Coast in Florida will likely suffer a loss of $3 billion
BP is spending roughly $10 million each day in an attempt to contain and clean the spill
This oil spill is expected to become the worst in the history of the U.S., beating out the former tragedy to hold this ignominious distinction – the Exxon Valdez oil spill that occurred in Alaska in 1989

Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Facts

Devastating the Prince William Sound, the Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred when an oil tanker heading for southern California accidentally dumped nearly 11 million U.S. gallons of crude oil that damaged about 1,300 miles of coastline and contaminated approximately 11,000 square miles of ocean. Because the Sound is remote, efforts to contain and cleanup this tragedy were significantly hampered, which only intensified the resulting damage.

Because the area heavily relied on the maritime industry (including the abundance of salmon, clams and seals), the local economy of Cordova, AK was ruined – and, sadly, many of its residents (including a former mayor) committed suicide following the devastation of their economy and homeland.

For more oil spill facts and statistics, or to discuss your particular circumstances with an experienced oil spill lawyer, contact us today.

BP Oil Spill Breaking News

"BP to establish $20 billion fund for Gulf cleanup and compensation"

The Obama administration and British Petroleum (BP) have furthered negotiations for a cleanup and compensation fund for the oil spill that devastated the Gulf of Mexico.

BP, taking full respons...

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"Panel hears testimony on BP oil spill"

During its third round of meetings, a federal panel working to determine the precise cause of the BP oil spill heard testimony focusing on human errors that ...

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"Gulf oil spill could be contained soon"

There hasn't been much positive news in regards to the Gulf oil spill, but that trend may be ending as the Coast Guard says the spilled oil will be contained wit...

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BP Gulf Oil Spill Facts & Statistics

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Facts

Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Facts

BP Oil Spill Breaking News

"BP to establish $20 billion fund for Gulf cleanup and compensation"

"Panel hears testimony on BP oil spill"

"Gulf oil spill could be contained soon"

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