Gulf oil spill washes across hundreds of miles, hitting Mexican reserves and wildlife
An oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in early March spread over more than 600 kilometers (373 miles), reaching seven protected nature reserves off Veracruz and Tabasco, Mexico. Authorities cite sources including a vessel near Coatzacoalcos and natural oil seeps in Cantarell and the Bay of Campeche; about 430 tons of hydrocarbons have been collected. The spill contaminated wildlife—reported to include sea turtles, birds and fish—with Oceana noting turtle and manatee deaths and reef damage, while officials say there has not yet been confirmed severe environmental damage and cleanup continues.
