1989: Exxon Valdez ruptures in Prince William Sound
The tanker Exxon Valdez goes aground on Bligh Reef in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, ruptures, and spills nearly 11 million gallons of Prudhoe Bay crude oil into a remote, scenic, and biologically productive body of water. It is the largest single oil spill in U.S. coastal waters to date. It kills sea birds, fish, and other wildlife by the thousands, while poisoning the waters that Alaska Natives rely upon for subsistence and commercial fishing.
- Theme
- Land and Water
- Region
- Subarctic
A crewman from the Glacier adjusting a containment boom following the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound
Courtesy Alaska State Library, U.S.C.G Activities, 17th Division Photograph Collection
A Coast Guard patrol boat crosses the bow of the Exxon Valdez as the tanker is being towed to Naked Island, Prince William Sound, Alaska, for temporary repairs, 1989
Courtesy Alaska State Library, U.S.C.G Activities, 17th Division Photograph Collection
Attempt to contain oil from the Exxon Valdez spill in Sawmill Bay, Prince William Sound, where a fish hatchery is located
Courtesy Alaska State Library, U.S.C.G Activities, 17th Division Photograph Collection