Bligh Reef facts for kids
Bligh Reef, also called Bligh Island Reef, is a group of rocks and coral located in the ocean. It is found near Bligh Island in Prince William Sound, Alaska. This reef became very well known in 1989 because of a major oil spill.
Contents
A Famous Location for Ship Accidents
Bligh Reef is famous for being the site of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. This was one of the largest oil spills in American history. After this big accident, a special rule was made. This rule said that an automatic navigation light must be placed on the reef. This light helps ships see the reef and avoid hitting it.
Other Ship Incidents
Even with the navigation light, other ships have still run aground here. For example, on December 24, 2009, a tugboat called the Pathfinder hit Bligh Reef. Its fuel tanks broke open, spilling diesel fuel into the water. Long ago, in 1910, a ship named the Olympia also ran aground on Bligh Reef. This shows how tricky the waters around the reef can be for ships.
Nature and Nearby Life
Bligh Reef is not just a place for ships. It is also an important area for fishing. Many people come here to catch halibut, which is a large flatfish. It is also a good spot for harvesting shrimp. The closest town to Bligh Reef is Tatitlek. This small town is about 7 miles (11 kilometers) to the northeast of the reef.
How Bligh Reef Got Its Name
The reef was named after a famous sailor named William Bligh. He later became well known for the mutiny on his ship, HMS Bounty. Before that, William Bligh was a master (a skilled officer) on a ship during James Cook's third trip around the world.
