A Brief History of the Exxon Valdez Disaster
Bettmann / Corbis
Run Aground
Shortly after midnight on March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez, a mile off-course in an attempt to avoid icebergs, ran aground on Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, gashing its hull and releasing oil into the Pacific Ocean.
Get the Latest Photos from Time.com
Get TIME photos and pictures of the week delivered directly to your inbox.