SCHRIEVER, La. — Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen said this morning a saw became stuck as it was cutting through a pipe on a busted well, stalling the latest attempt to contain the Gulf oil gusher.

Allen said the goal is to free the saw and finish the cut later today. This is the second major cut in the effort to contain — not plug — the nation's worst spill.

Allen said the first cut with giant shears was successful overnight.

The best chance at plugging the leak involves a relief well that is at least two months from completion.