ABERDEEN, Scotland, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Authorities in Scotland say a second oil leak from a drilling platform in the North Sea has been confirmed.
In the initial spill at Shell's Gannet Alpha platform 112 miles east of Aberdeen last Wednesday, an estimated 216 tons of oil spilled into the sea, The Scotsman in Edinburgh reported Tuesday.
Shell officials said the main leak was "pretty much dead" but a smaller secondary leak was proving difficult to stop.
"We're confident that [the main leak is] under control. The residual small leak is in an awkward position to get to," said Glen Cayley, technical director of Shell's exploration and production activities in Europe.
"This is complex sub-sea infrastructure, and really getting into it amongst quite dense marine growth is proving a challenge."
The Gannet oil field reportedly produces about 13,500 barrels of oil daily, the BBC reported.
The field is co-owned by the U.S. oil company Exxon but is operated by Shell.
