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Learn about the semi-submersible drilling rig that exploded and sank in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010, causing the largest marine oil spill in history. Find out how it was built, owned, operated, and regulated, and what systems and technologies it used.
Deepwater Horizon oil spill, largest marine oil spill in history, caused by an April 20, 2010, explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig—located in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 41 miles (66 km) off the coast of Louisiana —and its subsequent sinking on April 22.
- Richard Pallardy
- The Deepwater Horizon oil spill began on April 20, 2010, when an explosion damaged the Deepwater Horizon oil rig. The rig's sinking on April 22 beg...
- The oil rig involved in the Deepwater Horizon oil spill was owned and operated by offshore oil-drilling company Transocean and leased by the oil co...
- The Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred after a surge of natural gas blasted through a concrete core recently installed to seal an oil well for la...
- Birds were particularly vulnerable to the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Many died from ingesting oil or because it interfered with th...
A comprehensive article about the 2010 environmental disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, caused by a blowout and explosion on the Deepwater Horizon platform. Learn about the background, response, consequences, investigations and legal aspects of the spill.
Sep 8, 2010 · The Deepwater Horizon rig disaster caused the deaths of 11 crew and a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Since the 20 April catastrophe there has been much discussion...
Apr 20, 2020 · The 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill was the biggest in U.S. history, killing 11 workers and leaking millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. A decade later, scientists are still studying the effects on ecosystems and wildlife, while offshore drilling safety rules have been weakened.
Learn about the largest offshore oil spill in U.S. history, its impacts on natural resources and recreation, and the restoration projects funded by BP settlement. Find NOAA science literature, news, and updates on the Gulf Spill Restoration website.
On April 20, 2010, an explosion and fire occurred on the Deepwater Horizon semi-submersible mobile offshore drilling unit, which was owned and operated by Transocean and drilling for BP in the Macondo Prospect oil field about 40 miles (64 km) southeast off the Louisiana coast.
