Shares of European oil giant Royal Dutch Shell Plc (RDS-A: Quote, RDSA.L, RDSB.L, RDS-B) are falling over 5 percent in London after the company spotted a light sheen in the central portion of the Gulf of Mexico, between the Mars and Ursa production area. Shell has notified the National Response Center about the sheen.
The company said it currently has no indication that the sheen originates from wells in the Mars or Ursa projects.
Shell said that out of prudent caution it has activated the Louisiana Responder, a Marine Spill Response Corporation vessel.
The Louisiana Responder is an oil spill response vessel with skimming and boom capabilities. Shell has also requested flights to monitor the one by ten-mile sheen closely with additional aerial surveillance.
"At this time, the source of this sheen is unknown, and Shell's priority is to respond proactively, safely, and in close coordination with regulatory agencies. Updates will be provided as further action is taken," the company said..
RDSA.L is currently trading at 2,033 pence, down 108 pence or 5.04 percent, on a volume of 3.91 million shares.
RDS-A, which closed at $67.75, is falling close to 4 percent in pre-market trading.
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by RTT Staff Writer
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