Previously on March 24

1978: Tanker Amoco Cadiz splits in two
Violent seas have split the Amoco Cadiz super tanker wrecked off the coast of France, destroying any hopes of salvaging any remaining oil and threatening an ecological disaster.

Experts hoped 30,000 to 50,000 tons of oil left in the holds could have been pumped out but this morning's split, off the north coast of Finisterre, means all the 220,000-ton cargo will have escaped into the sea.

Strong tides and winds are driving the oil slick westward raising fears it will affect the Channel Islands and the western coast of the Cherbourg peninsula in France.
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1989: Exxon Valdez creates oil slick disaster
An oil tanker has run aground on a reef off the Alaskan coast, releasing gallons of crude oil into the sea.

The Exxon Valdez got into trouble in Prince William Sound when it hit Bligh Reef, splitting its side open and releasing oil, with reports of an eight-mile (1.61km) slick.

High winds are affecting attempts to suck the slick from the sea's surface and residents have reported poor air quality as emergency crews try to burn off the top layer of oil.

Booms, which are acting like necklaces on the surface of the sea to contain the oil, are failing to do the job.
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