NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- A new cap has been installed on the leaking well in the Gulf of Mexico, offering hope of containing the gusher for the first time since BP's deepwater rig exploded in April.
BP officials said Monday evening the cap was mounted on the well after two days of preparing the site and a day of slowly lowering it into place.
The company plans to run tests starting Tuesday to see if the cap can withstand pressure.
The old cap, removed Saturday, did not have a tight fit and allowed crude to escape.
The new cap will enable BP to capture all the oil and funnel it up to ships.
BP is drilling two relief wells so it can pump mud and cement into the leaking well for a permanent fix.
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