Divers still searching for cable leak

A team of divers are currently 14 metres under the Northumberland Strait looking for a leak in one of the two underwater cables that supply P.E.I. with electricity from the mainland.

The divers are combing over the 23-kilometre long cable. Maritime Electric spokeswoman Kim Griffin told CBC News the leak is closer to the New Brunswick side, and said the age of the decades-old cable may be a factor in the leak.

"We're certainly interested in a new cable, but at this point we're trying our best to keep the power on for all of our Islanders," Griffin said, "but at the same time diligently trying to find out where that leak is."

The leak was first discovered in March.

Weather has presented a major challenge to divers during the search.

"Any time the marine forecast is above 20 knots, we're not able to launch the boats, so we've had about 10 days where we've been out on the water," said Griffin, adding visibility is another challenge.

"Some days it's two to three feet. Some days the winds have been high and it's been a challenge for our divers."

An estimated 600 litres of oil have leaked so far.

Maritime Electric says if you went out in the Northumberland Strait, you wouldn't see slicks. Instead, the oil looks more like cooking oil and is located either underwater or within a casing that's wrapped around the cable.

To contain the leak, they're lowering the pressure so less oil is released.

In terms of impact on wildlife, Maritime Electric said it's monitoring that closely with the province and the Coast Guard.

They expect to have another update late next week.