Abstract: An improved containment barrier or boom section of the type having a flotation means for supporting the barrier or boom on the surface of a liquid body such as a lake, harbor, river, ocean, or the like, and also having a sinking means such as a flexible skirt section coupled to the bottom of the flotation means and extending below the surface, the skirt section containing ballast and, preferably, a tension member, to contain contamination or material floating on or near the surface, such as an oil spill, usually on one side thereof. End connectors are provided at each end of the barrier section for coupling to additional barrier or boom sections and/or to a towing means for deployment and/or recovery. The flotation means comprises an elongated tubular member having a cavity extending throughout the elongated length thereof and the tubular member is flexible.