Energy giant BP says it has resumed drilling a relief well to plug the Gulf of Mexico oil leak after ships returned to the site after Tropical storm Bonnie died down.

The company says a Transocean Ltd rig is on location and reconnecting to the relief tunnel that will be used to pump in mud and cement to seal the well.

It says drilling could resume in the next few days. But as the peak hurricane season approaches, the potential for another storm-related delay is high.

Local officials say once the casing is stable, BP can start a "static kill",which might kill the leak on its own.