Abstract: The present invention discloses a detachable boom for containing and recovering fluids spilled on open water. The invention has a float system using a plurality of floats arrayed along a flexible, stretch-resistant cork line, a substantially rectangular barrier where the barrier is fixedly but detachably attached to the float system by a first attachment system, and an elongated weight device which is fixedly but detachably attached to the bottom of the barrier. The detachable boom disclosed in the present invention can be anchored in a stationary position or towed behind a small-to-medium sized marine vessel using a towing bridle.