(CNN) – BP's top official said the oil company will make a decision later Wednesday on whether to proceed with a "top kill" procedure designed to contain oil gushing into the Gulf of Mexico.
BP Chief Executive Officer Tony Hayward told CNN's "American Morning" that a determination will be made after testing is complete.
"So far, it's looking OK," he said. "But we haven't got all the data we need."
Top kill has worked successfully on above-ground oil wells in the Middle East but has never been tested 5,000 feet underwater. Hayward has given the "top kill" maneuver a 60 percent to 70 percent chance of success.
From angry residents of the Gulf Coast to frustrated lawmakers in Washington, many pinned hopes that with the top kill, BP finally would be able to stop the oil leak. Otherwise, they said, it was time for the government to take charge. Read more