Oil spill progression: March 18 - May 18, 1989

Oil spill progression: March 18 - May 18, 1989

Beginning on March 27, a windstorm accelerated the spill's spread and rendered cleanup especially challenging. The inclement weather would become the norm for the next several months. Consequently, watercraft could not skim the spill, in-situ burning was impractical, and cleanup crews on distance coastline were stranded without resupply. The oil ultimately extended almost 600 miles from Bligh Reef, the site of the ship's grounding.

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation

Alaska Oil Spill Comission Final Report

1989-3-24
1989-5-18