This page is referenced by:

• 1 2016-04-23T08:49:49-07:00 Background 17 image_header 2016-05-04T14:33:41-07:00 On March 24th, 1989 the Prince William Sound in the Gulf of Mexico forever changed. An Exxon Valdez oil tanker carrying 53 million gallons of crude oil scraped along the Bligh Reef while trying to maneuver through the Valdez Narrows.  The tanker was carrying eleven million gallons of crude oil that spilled into the Prince William Sound.  This affected many humans, environmental, and animal lives. Because of the location of the spill and the amount of oil spilled into the Gulf, the Exxon Valdez oil spill is considered one of the greatest environmental disasters for an entire generation.
  
   The National Transportation Safety Board investigated and determined multiple probable causes of the incident. These included: failure of the third mate to maneuver the vessel, probably due to fatigue and excessive workload, failure of the master to provide proper navigation watch, possibly due to the impairment from alcohol, failure of Exxon shipping company to provide rested and sufficient crew, failure of the U.S. Coast Guard to provide an effective vessel traffic system, and lack of effective pilot and escort services. 
  
   Regarding the rumors about the captain being intoxicated at the time of the incident, the captain was seen at a local bar and admitted to having some drinks. A blood test showed that alcohol was in his system several hours after the incident. He stated he was not impaired by alcohol, but was charged with operating a vessel while under the influence. An Alaskan jury found him not guilty. He was charged with negligent discharge of oil, which is a misdemeanor. The captain was fined 50,000 dollars and 1000 hours of community service.