What Happened

 

The Exxon Valdez left Trans Alaska Pipeline terminal at 9:12 pm. William Murphy was in control of the wheelhouse. The Exxon Valdez's shipping lane was full of icebergs. Helmsman Harry Claar was ordered to move out of the shipping lanes to avoid the icebergs. The the third mate was to turn back to the shipping lanes at an exact point. Claar was (picture used with permission by http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/ )

switched with Robert Kanag. For some unclear reason Cousin adn Kanag failed to turn back, then they hit the Bligh Reef. This accident happened March 24,1989 at 12:04 am.

It was reported that the captain, of the vessel, was seen at a local bar. He admitted to have been drunk and blood test proved that he was. he was charged for operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol. The jury found him not guilty, but he was charged with a 50 thousand dollar fine and 1 thousand hours of community service.

 

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