The oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico has so far spewed 18 to 40 million barrels of oil into the ocean since it began a month ago. Hopes of plugging the damaged oil rig anytime soon seem very slim. The accident has already dealt a heavy blow to fishery, tourism and the environment along the US Gulf Coast.

Experts now say the spill won't be stopped until August at the earliest. BP has announced a new approach after the failed "top kill" attempt, in a bid to stop the worst environmental disaster in US history.

About 22,000 people are already in the region working to contain and clean up the mess. US president Barack Obama visited a Louisiana beach twice to demonstrate the hands on approach his administration was taking to the crisis.