UPDATE: Reports That US Gulf Oil Spill Made Landfall - Coast Guard

[Purveyor]

By Angel Gonzalez, Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

VENICE, La. -(Dow Jones)- The U.S. Coast Guard said Friday it haS received reports from individuals and agencies that an oil spill originating off the coast of Louisiana has reached the shore.

"We have received reports" that came in early Friday, said Coast Guard spokesman David Mosley. Respondents are now trying to confirm those reports and gather data, Mosley added.

Weather is hampering efforts to send crews to lay out boom lines to contain the spill, BP PLC (BP) said Friday. The spill began last week after a Transocean Ltd. (RIG) rig exploded and sank following work on a well for London-based BP. According to some estimates, the well is leaking 5,000 barrels of crude oil a day.

High seas and winds are not allowing boats to go out, BP spokesman Daren Beaudo said. Booming crews were waiting at a marina here for orders to go out, said Ayana McKintosh-Lee, another BP representative.

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