The Exxon Valdez (oil spill incident)

The Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred on March 24, 1989, when an oil tanker struck a reef near Prince William Sound in Alaska, releasing approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean. This disaster devastated local wildlife, including sea otters, seals, and birds, and severely impacted fishing industries and coastal communities. The cleanup efforts were extensive and costly, lasting for years. The incident highlighted the risks of oil transport and led to significant changes in regulations and policies regarding marine safety and environmental protection in the United States. It remains one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history.