Plugging the well

BP is drilling two relief wells, slated for completion in August. Once one
of the wells intersects with the leaking well, heavy liquid and cement will
be pumped in, with the hope of stopping the flow of oil.

Drill rig Oil slick

Drill rig

Blowout
preventers
were
lowered into
relief wells Blowout
preventer

Seafloor
Seafloor
5,249 ft. Drilling began
(1,560 m) May 16;
progress as
of June 7

10,000 ft. 8,576 ft.

(3,048 m) (2,613 m)

Drilling
began May 2;
progress as
of June 7

12,956 ft.
(3,949 m)
15,000 ft.
(4,572 m)

NOTE: Drawing
is schematic;
not to scale

20,000 ft. Oil

res
(6,096 m) erv
oir

Wells will intersect

© 2010 MCT with leaking well at
Source: BP about 18,000 ft.
Graphic: Julie Sheer, Lorena I. Elebee,
Los Angeles Times (5,486 m)