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Coast Guard responding to oil leak near Port Sulphur

The U.S. Coast Guard and other authorities are trying to stop an oil leak that could be spilling just under 5,500 gallons a day.
Credit: Lora Ratliff, U.S. Coast Guard
The U.S. Coast Guard are working with local authorities to contain oil leaking from a well in Port Sulpher (Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lora Ratliff).

(NEW ORLEANS) -- Authorities are working to contain a leak that could be spewing thousands of gallons of crude oil into Rattle Snake Bayou near Port Sulpher.

U.S. Coast Guard officials say they received a report from the National Response Center that the well, southwest of the port, was reportedly leaking.

Officials say it's unknown how or when the leak started, so the total amount of oil discharged has not yet been determined. However, they say the well is rated to produce 5,476 gallons of oil per day.

Officials added the owner of the well, Hilcorp, has contracted an oil spill response organization to handle cleanup. Currently, four response boats and 13 personnel are now conducting containment operations.

The Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Department, Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator' Office and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration are also involved in the response.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

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