On this day in 1989...

The Exxon Valdez an oil tanker bound for Washington, USA and captained by Joseph Hazelwood; hit Prince William Sound's Bligh Reef. There it spilled 11 million gallons of crude oil. This has been recorded as the largest oil spill in U.S. history and one of the largest ecological disasters ever.

The cleanup of the spill started in April of 1989 and went until September when winter moved in although clean up continues to this day.

The NTSB that investigated after the accident found 5 faults leading up to the disaster:

1. The third mate failed to properly maneuver the vessel, possibly due to fatigue and excessive workload.

2. The master (Joe Hazelwood) failed to provide a proper navigation watch, possibly due to impairment from alcohol.

3. Exxon Shipping Company failed to supervise the master and provide a rested and sufficient crew for the Exxon Valdez;

4. The U.S. Coast Guard failed to provide an effective vessel traffic system.

5. Effective pilot and escort services were lacking.

I'd say the blame was pretty well spread out, but just who's going to explain the destruction of the environment to the wildlife left behind?