Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill, most notably the Deepwater Horizon spill in 2010, occurred when an offshore drilling rig experienced a blowout, releasing millions of barrels of crude oil into the ocean. This accidental leakage contaminated vast areas of water, harming marine life, coastal ecosystems, and local economies. The spill was caused by equipment failure and management errors, illustrating the risks of deep-sea drilling. Cleanup efforts included skimming, chemical dispersants, and physical barriers, but the environmental impact was significant, prompting increased safety regulations and discussions about energy practices.