Insights

AB Jones' Watch-Out

Written by Didrik Svendsen | 07 December 2022

In most incidents, somebody knew about failures before the incident took place. SAYFR honors those tried to do something about it...

Exxon Valdez was a single-hull oil tanker with a deadweight of 214,861 tons. She was delivered to Exxon in 1986. On March 24, 1989, the vessel ran aground in Prince William Sound, resulting in the second-largest oil
spill in United States history.

On the specific watch, AB Maureen L. Jones was the lookout. The captain was Joseph Hazelwood. AB Jones reported several times to the 3rd officer on watch that the vessel was off-course, but she was never listened to.

The accident resulted in international IMO requirements for double-hulled tankers. Furthermore, the U.S. introduced the OPA90 regulation, which reduces the ability of shipping companies to limit their liabilities for oil spills in U.S. waters.

In most incidents, somebody knew about failures before the incident took place. SAYFR honors those tried to do something about it...