See how the oil spill grows in the Gulf of Mexico The government, energy company British Petroleum and hundreds of Gulf-area fishermen laid inflatable booms and took other preventive measures to contain a massive oil slick spreading in the Gulf of Mexico The spill, caused by the April 20 explosion and sinking of the drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, has officials from Louisiana to Florida preparing for an environmental catastrophe in days and weeks ahead. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more