On this day-1989: Exxon Valdez creates oil slick disaster (Still in service, under new name)

1989: Exxon Valdez creates oil slick disaster
An oil tanker has run aground on a reef off the Alaskan coast, releasing gallons of crude oil into the sea.

The Exxon Valdez got into trouble in Prince William Sound when it hit Bligh Reef, splitting its side open and releasing oil, with reports of an eight-mile (1.61km) slick.

High winds are affecting attempts to suck the slick from the sea's surface and residents have reported poor air quality as emergency crews try to burn off the top layer of oil.

Booms, which are acting like necklaces on the surface of the sea to contain the oil, are failing to do the job.

Environmentalists are also battling to save sea ducks, which number up to 10 million in the area. Ducks and seals have been discovered drenched in oil near the tanker.

....

The Exxon Valdez was repaired and renamed the Sea River Mediterranean and is working in the Atlantic although it is banned from returning to Alaska.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/march/24/newsid_4231000/4231971.stm

It was Exxon showing Alaska who's boss.
It was Exxon trying to destroy a big piece of the non oil economy to magnify their importance.
Drunk Captain? So what. It wouldn't matter if the captain was dead if he wasn't on the bridge.
They rocked the ship once it was caught. They know better.
They were deliberately worsening the tears in the bottom with the obvious intent of magnifying the effect of the accident.