- The Problem
The Exxon Valdez was carrying over 53 million gallons of crude oil, when the tanker headed for Long Beach, California. Three hours later, just after midnight on March 24th, the Exxon Valdez ran into Bligh Reef, spilling 10.8 million gallons of oil.
- Causes of the pollution
Investigations say that the accident was an outcome of poor maneuvering. It was also found that the 3rd mate on duty was not given the mandatory 6 hours rest before the starting of his next 12 hour duty. Thus it is possible that stress and excessive workload might have led to inefficient watch-keeping by the 3rd mate. Moreover, though the ship was on autopilot, it was found that the radar was not working since the time ship left the Valdez Terminal. It was also claimed that the master of the ship was under the influence of alcohol and left the watch during maneuvering through critical areas. Thus it was proved that the Exxon Shipping Company could not provide an efficient and sufficient crew to the ship, which unfortunately led to the accident.
-Effects of the pollution
Approximately 1,990 square kilometers of shoreline was badly polluted. Almost 2000 sea otters, 302 harbor seals, and 250,000 birds died in the days that followed the incident. Then, because there was no solid plan with both the state and federal government dealing with such emergency situation , the oil spill reached far-off places before any kind of response process can be started.
The Exxon Valdez was carrying over 53 million gallons of crude oil, when the tanker headed for Long Beach, California. Three hours later, just after midnight on March 24th, the Exxon Valdez ran into Bligh Reef, spilling 10.8 million gallons of oil.
- Causes of the pollution
Investigations say that the accident was an outcome of poor maneuvering. It was also found that the 3rd mate on duty was not given the mandatory 6 hours rest before the starting of his next 12 hour duty. Thus it is possible that stress and excessive workload might have led to inefficient watch-keeping by the 3rd mate. Moreover, though the ship was on autopilot, it was found that the radar was not working since the time ship left the Valdez Terminal. It was also claimed that the master of the ship was under the influence of alcohol and left the watch during maneuvering through critical areas. Thus it was proved that the Exxon Shipping Company could not provide an efficient and sufficient crew to the ship, which unfortunately led to the accident.
-Effects of the pollution
Approximately 1,990 square kilometers of shoreline was badly polluted. Almost 2000 sea otters, 302 harbor seals, and 250,000 birds died in the days that followed the incident. Then, because there was no solid plan with both the state and federal government dealing with such emergency situation , the oil spill reached far-off places before any kind of response process can be started.
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