New Orleans, Louisiana (CNN) -- With Tropical Storm Bonnie nearing, efforts to dig a relief well remained suspended Friday as the rig involved in the operation and other boats around BP's ruptured Gulf of Mexico well prepared to evacuate.
"Some of the vessels may be able to remain on site, but we will err on the side of safety," retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen said Thursday night.
Allen, who is leading the federal response to the spill, said many of the vessels and rigs began preparing to move Thursday night.
Earlier on Thursday, officials said the departure of the relief well rig would delay work on the operation -- described as the permanent fix to the ruptured well -- for at least 10 days.
Allen said the cap placed over the damaged well in the Gulf of Mexico will remain sealed and continue to stop oil from escaping even if the more than 2,000 people who have been working at the well site are off the water.
CNN
