Skip to main content

Exxon Valdez disaster

Exxon Valdez disaster

Teaser

The Exxon Valdez oil tanker strikes the Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, dumping between 250,000 and 750,000 barrels of oil into Prince William Sound south of Alaska. One of the most devastating environmental disasters in history, the spill killed thousands of marine animals and disrupted local commerce. 

Year
1989
Date of Event

Help us tell the story of America.

For over 75 years, American Heritage has chronicled our nation's history like no other publication. Please support our trusted, non-partisan historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it by donating today. We rely on contributions from readers like you to survive.
Donate