SkyTruth just got new aerial photos of the Montara platform, taken on an overflight by
Environs Kimberley on September 12. The platform is still
spewing crude oil into the Timor Sea and a potentially explosive fog of natural gas and gas condensate into the air. The West Triton rig is
visible in one of the pics; it's begun to drill a relief well that will attempt to intercept the damaged well
8,500 feet below the seafloor, a process that will take 3-4 weeks at best.
Montara platform and West Atlas drill rig, September 12, 2009. Photo courtesy of Environs Kimberley. Also visible:
extensive oil slicks and sheen still covering the sea in the vicinity of the platform, in calm seas. This spill has been uncontrolled now for
almost a full month.
Click here to go to our growing gallery of aerial photos, maps and satellite images.
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