A oil spill off the shore of Brazil may be larger than oil companies and Brazil are admitting, Skytruth reports.
"We've been tracking the oil spill reported off Brazil a few days ago, in the Frade field operated by Chevron in the Campos Basin, Brazil's most productive area of offshore production, and a place where many deepwater technology milestones have been made for offshore oil production. Chevron claimed the oil slick was being caused by a natural oil seep on the seafloor, but they suspended drilling on a well in the field. Brazilian authorities quickly disputed that a natural seep was the cause. And yesterday Chevron admitted the possibility that something went wrong at their drillsite. According to today's news release from Brazilian authorities, Chevron is trying to kill the well - indicating a loss of well control and blowout. 18 response vessels are on the scene, and Chevron reports the well is leaking about 8,400 - 13,860 gallons (200 -330 barrels) per day.
Based on Brazilian government data showing the locations of active drill rigs, provided to us by some of our very helpful followers on Twitter, we conclude that Chevron's well was being drilled by the SEDCO 706 semisubmersible drill rig operated by -- wait for it -- Transocean. Yes, the same company that operated the doomed Deepwater Horizon rig for BP."
John Amos reports for Skytruth November 15, 2011.
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