Exxon Valdez Accident

The Exxon Valdez accident occurred on March 24, 1989, when an oil tanker, the Exxon Valdez, struck a reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska. This collision caused a massive oil spill, releasing approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean. The spill severely harmed marine life, coastal ecosystems, and local economies dependent on fishing and tourism. It prompted widespread environmental concerns and led to significant changes in regulations regarding oil transportation and spill response in the United States, highlighting the risks associated with oil drilling and transporting in sensitive environments.