Tropical Depression Breaks Apart in Gulf

By Eileen Fleming

New Orleans, La. – National Incident Commander Thad Allen says the storms haven't scattered the massive vessels stationed above the well, as they did ahead of Tropical Storm Bonnie last month. Allen says the equipment will be able to handle the stronger wind and higher seas the storms are still expected to generate as the pass over the site for the next day or so. The National Hurricane Center in Miami has canceled a storm warning that covered much of the Gulf Coast. Allen says once the storms are gone, work will begin on additional pressure tests on the busted well that's been plugged with mud and cement pumped down from the surface. He says results will determine if the plugging process will be repeated next week from the bottom.
For NPR News, I'm Eileen Fleming in New Orleans.