Sources: Gov't Report Says Subsea Oil a Problem
Throughout the oil spill crisis there's been concern about oil below the surface of the water.
The government is about to release its first extensive report on subsea oil, reports CBS News investigative correspondent Sharyl Attkisson.
All along, this has been the BP company line:
"The oil is on the surface," said BP CEO Tony Hayward on May 30.
Special Section: Disaster in the Gulf
Sources say the government report will leave little doubt subsea oil is a serious problem. The subsea oil is like a sneak attack hidden unseen beneath the surface where it can travel under the boom and reach the shore. Independent scientists have been trying to sound the alarm for weeks.
On June 8, University of Georgia marine sciences professor Samantha Joye said, "The plume is very zig-zaggy."
Researchers tracked an underwater oil plume 15 miles wide and three miles long more than 1000 meters below the surface.
Still, CBS News is told the government's report out soon won't be a comprehensive picture of all the oil. It's more like a sampling since only tiny slices of the Gulf have even been checked.
More on the Disaster in the Gulf:
Judge Blocks Offshore Drilling Moratorium
BP CEO's Stand-In Heckled at Oil Meeting
Sea Turtles Swimming Into Big Trouble
What Stops Oil Spills on Other Rigs?
Gulf Kids Devastated by Oil Spill
Gulf Kids Devastated by Oil Spill
Poll: Most Say Obama Lacks Plans for Oil Spill
Documents: Device Could Have Prevented Spill
