Bligh Reef, sometimes known as Bligh Island Reef,[1] is a reef off the coast of Bligh Island in Prince William Sound, Alaska. This was the location of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.[2] After the incident, 33 US Code § 2733 mandated the operation of an automated navigation light to prevent future collisions with the reef.[3] Despite these efforts the tug Pathfinder ran aground on Bligh Reef on Dec 24, 2009, rupturing its tanks and spilling diesel fuel.[4] Bligh Reef is also where Alaska Steamship Company's Olympia ran aground in 1910.[5][6]
Bligh Reef serves as a fishing ground for halibut[7] and a harvesting area for shrimp.[8] The nearest town is Tatitlek, which lies seven miles (eleven kilometers) to the northeast.[1]
The reef was named after William Bligh, of future HMS Bounty fame, who served as Master aboard ship during James Cook's third world voyage.
- ^ a b "Bligh Reef". HomeTownLocator, Inc. 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-17.
- ^ "Frequently asked questions about the Spill". History of the Spill. Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council. Archived from the original on 2006-09-25. Retrieved 2008-03-10.
- ^ 33 USC 2733
- ^ "Tug grounds on Bligh Reef". MarineLog. 2009-12-27. p. 1. Archived from the original on 2010-01-03. Retrieved 2010-01-20.
- ^ "Olympia's Passengers Safe". New York Times. 1910-12-13. p. 10. Retrieved 2008-05-17.
- ^ "Details of the Wreck of the S.S. Olympia", Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. January 3, 1911. Page 2.
- ^ "Prince William Sound July Fishing Summary". Alaska Department of Fish & Game. 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-17.
- ^ "Prince William Sound Shrimp" (PDF). Recreational Fishing Series. Alaska Department of Fish & Game. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 1, 2006. Retrieved 2008-05-17.