Pemex Undersea Pipeline Found to Cause Gulf Oil Spill

Crude oil slicks on a beach in Alvarado, Veracruz state, Mexico, on March 24. — Crude oil slicks on a beach in Alvarado, Veracruz state, Mexico, on March 24.
Photographer: Victoria Razo/AFP/Getty Images

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By Scott Squires

April 17, 2026 at 2:01 AM UTC

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An oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that soiled beaches, killed wildlife and sparked outrage from environmental groups was caused by a leaky pipeline owned by state oil company Petroleos Mexicanos, the company said.