Coast Guard Says Louisiana Oil Well Leak Contained, But Cause Remains Under Investigation

Federal and state authorities have successfully halted the discharge of oil and natural gas from Well 59 near Garden Island Bay, La., marking a critical milestone in a complex response effort that began April 26.

The Unified Command, led by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office (LOSCO), confirmed Sunday that responders had cut the flange on the wellhead and installed a flowback assembly to regain control of the source. This major step follows weeks of intensive work to stop the leak and mitigate environmental risks.

Since the discharge began, crews have deployed more than 20,300 feet of containment boom, with another 4,200 feet on standby, and used over 1,000 bales of absorbent boom to safeguard nearby islands and sensitive habitats. Approximately 70,812 gallons of oily water mixture have been recovered to date. The total volume of oil discharged remains unknown.

Although the source has been secured, Unified Command officials stressed that the response is far from over.

“Gaining control of the discharge is a vital milestone, but it marks only the beginning of our work,” said Capt. Greg Callaghan, U.S. Coast Guard Federal On Scene Coordinator. “The Unified Command is fully committed to an exhaustive cleanup effort and will remain on site for as long as necessary to ensure the removal of oil and the safety of both the community and the ecosystem.”

The Coast Guard assumed federal control of pollution response operations on Thursday from Spectrum OpCo, LLC to ensure a coordinated and effective cleanup. Under federal management, Environmental Safety & Health Consulting Services Inc. and Couvillion Group were contracted for oil removal and source control operations. Funding is being drawn from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.

Air monitoring efforts have not identified immediate public health risks, and aerial surveys continue to monitor the spills extent. A one-nautical-mile vessel safety zone remains in place, and the public is urged to avoid the area.

So far, only one oiled bird has been reported but not captured. The Unified Command encourages the public to report any sightings of impacted wildlife or oil through dedicated hotlines.

The cause of the leak remains under investigation.