Two bottlenose dolphins, unable to feed in the waters affected by the slick, show signs of emaciation. Photo: WWF

By Channel 4 News , Updated on 23 October 2009 The West Atlas oil rig continues to leak crude oil into the ocean off the coast of Australia following a rupture nine weeks ago. Julian Rush reports. [Video]  

Photo courtesy of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority  

It is thought the West Atlas oil platform leak could be a lot worse than originally thought.  

WWF crew samples the oil spill.

 

Millions of litres have now escaped into the Timor Sea and already the long-term damage is being compared to the Exxon Valdez disaster of 1989.

 

NASA / MODIS image taken from the Terra satellite  

The rupture occurred on 21 August, and the last three attempts to stop the flow from escaping have failed. …  

Photo by Chris Twomey / Australian Greens, courtesy of WA Today Marine disaster unfolds in Timor Sea