Bligh Reef

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, US Code 33 ยง 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]

Map excerpt showing Bligh Reef and automated beacon.

Bligh Reef serves as a fishing ground for halibut[7] and a harvesting area for shrimp.[8] The nearest town is Tatitlek, which lies 7 miles 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.

Notes
  1. "Bligh Reef". HomeTownLocator, Inc. 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-17.
  2. "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.
  3. 33 USC 2733
  4. "Tug grounds on Bligh Reef". MarineLog. 2009-12-27. p. 1. Archived from the original on 2010-01-03. Retrieved 2010-01-20.
  5. "Olympia's Passengers Safe". New York Times. 1910-12-13. p. 10. Retrieved 2008-05-17.
  6. "Details of the Wreck of the S.S. Olympia", Fairbanks Daily News-Miner. January 3, 1911. Page 2.
  7. "Prince William Sound July Fishing Summary". Alaska Department of Fish & Game. 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-17.
  8. "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.

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