Deepwater Horizon (BP oil spill)

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred in April 2010 when an explosion on a BP-operated drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico caused a massive release of crude oil into the ocean. The blowout preventer failed, leading to a well uncontrolled flow of oil for 87 days, releasing approximately 4.9 million barrels. This environmental disaster resulted in extensive marine and coastal damage, harming wildlife, fishing, and tourism industries. It also highlighted safety and regulatory shortcomings in offshore drilling operations, prompting calls for improved safety practices and environmental protections.