Last updated:聽28 april, 2010 - 12:46 GMT
Louisiana oil spill threatens environment in Gulf of Mexico
The United States Coast Guard has warned that an oil spill leaking from a well in the Gulf of Mexico could become one of the worst in US history.
Eleven workers are missing and are presumed to have been killed when the Deepwater Horizon platform exploded and sank off the coast of Louisiana.
Some 1,000 barrels of oil a day are leaking into the sea, according to officials.
They say the oil leak has the potential to damage beaches, barrier islands and wetlands across the coastline.
Aaron Viles is from the Gulf Restoration Network.
Robin Pagnamenta is energy editor for the Times newspaper.
First broadcast 28 April 2010