[Keedy]

Originally Posted by PQ

Didn't the 'Cap' they tried to use, fail, because of the cold from the great depth?

http://www.project-syndicate.org/com...nelov9/English

Pemex tried to put a device called a “sombrero” over the Ixtoc leak to collect the oil at the ocean floor, but the plan failed because the structure could not be kept in place. Formation of methane hydrate was noted, but was not decisive. In the case of Deepwater Horizon, a huge dome could be put in place, despite the greater depth, thanks to deployment of modern unmanned underwater vehicles, robots, and positioning tools, but the formation of methane hydrates clogged the device and rendered it useless.