Attempts to collect oil leaking into the Gulf of Mexico with a giant dome have failed after it became clogged with methane hydrates.

BP hoped that the dome could be used funnel oil seeping into the ocean after the sinking of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig to the surface, where it could be collected. A smaller dome is now being prepared for a second attempt.

“As we were placing the dome over the leak source a large volume of hydrates formed inside the top of the dome, requiring us to move the dome to the side of the leak point,” says BP chief operating officer Doug Suttles (Reuters). “I wouldn’t say it’s failed yet.”

The company may try to heat up the larger dome in an effort to get rid of the hydrates.

Methane hydrates, also called methane clathrates, are deposits of frozen methane gas found at the bottom of the ocean. Some reports are now linking the deposits in the Gulf of Mexico with the accident that sank the Deepwater Horizon.

Also under consideration as a way to stop the leaking oil is a ‘junk shot’. This will involve forcing debris into the set of valves that form the blow out preventer, which failed to close and shut of the flow of oil automatically.

Over 10,000 people and 275 vessels are now engaged in dealing with the accident and its aftermath, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Past coverage

Oil spill science: The mission begins – 10 May

Deepwater Horizon spill updates – 7 May

Deepwater Horizon spill updates – 6 May

Deepwater Horizon spill round-up – 4 May

Ecologists brace for oil spill damage – 3 May

Oil ‘coming ashore’ from Deepwater Horizon spill – 30 April

Gulf of Mexico oil leak worse than thought – 29 April

Oil spill endangers fragile marshland – 27 April

Deepwater Horizon oil leak still unplugged – 26 April

Race on to contain oil slick after rig accident – 23 April

Image: slick extent, 4 May / NASA / MODIS