Question

Which disaster is considered to be one of the worst spills to have happened in recent times ? Elaborate.

Answer 1

The offshore Macondo oil rig called Deepwater Horizon had an explosion and tragically killed 11 workers besides injuring 16 more. Also known as the BP oil spill (since it was owned by British Petroleum), it is considered the largest spill in the history of the petroleum industry. An estimated 4.9 million barrels of oil was discharged into the water. The spill resulted in severe environmental, health and economic consequences. There was extensive damage to marine wildlife, fishing and tourism industries were adversely affected. The long term effects could be felt till 2013 and dolphins and other marine life continued to die in record numbers.