Oil slick set on fire 'to avoid further damage'

US officials have taken the decision to set parts of a vast oil slick on fire in order to prevent extensive damage to the Louisiana coastline.

The sinking of the Deepwater Horizon rig last week has created a spill several hundred miles in circumference and it is being added to at a rate of 42,000 gallons a day as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico towards America.

Louisiana's wetlands are a rich sanctuary for wildlife and it was determined that it would be better to burn the oil than allow it to wreak havoc on the area.

Skimming vessels are currently working to sweep the densest concentrations of oil, which will be taken to a secluded location and set alight.

BP and the US Coast Guard are both involved in the clean-up initiative, while the Financial Times reported this week that Royal Dutch Shell has sent along six boats to help out.

Written by Lauren Steadman