this flotilla of boats that's been going out, they've been going out for quite some time. we're in perdido path, the back of perdido bay, they're work in to seal off the area to keep the oil from coming into the backwaters during a rising tide and all of these people here are involved in that effort. meanwhile, bp says that the cost of the cleanup, and they predict overall it will run from $3 billion to $6 billion. u.s. officials say the amount of oil still pouring into the gulf has run 15,000 barrels a day and the coast guard has told bp to step up containment efforts and to present a new plan of attack by tonight. alex? >> yep, and they say they will deliver that plan. thank you very much, mark potter. it is back to the gulf coast for president obama set to make his fourth trip since the oil rig exploded in late april and tomorrow a two-day swing through mississippi, alabama, and florida. nbc's mike viqueira live at the white house. good morning, mike.