Fizzle: Coast Guard says "A Whale" oil mega-skimmer is a bust

However after weeks of tests, “A Whale” collected only negligible amounts of oil, leading to the conclusion that smaller skimming vessels are better suited for the Gulf spill.

“It may need a different type of oil spill, where you have thick, heavy oil that is concentrated in order to be effective,” Zunkunft said of the giant skimmer’s capabilities.