SS Torrey Canyon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
|
|---|---|
| Name | SS Torrey Canyon |
| Owner | Unocal Corporation |
| Operator | British Petroleum |
| Port of registry |  Liberia |
| Builder | Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Co |
| Yard number | 532 |
| Launched | 28 October 1958 |
| Completed | January 1959 |
| Identification |
|
| Fate | Sank after running aground on 18 March 1967 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Supertanker |
| Tonnage | 61,263 GRT |
| Length | 974.4 ft (297.0 m) |
| Beam | 125.4 ft (38.2 m) |
| Draught | 68.7 ft (20.9 m) |
| Propulsion | Single shaft; steam turbine |
| Speed | 17 knots (31 km/h; 20 mph) |
| Capacity | 120,000 tons of crude oil |
The SS Torrey Canyon was a very large oil tanker. It could carry 120,000 tons of crude oil. On March 18, 1967, the ship crashed off the coast of Cornwall, England. This caused a huge environmental disaster because of the oil spill. At that time, it was the biggest ship ever to be wrecked.
Building and Changes
The Torrey Canyon was built in the United States by Newport News Shipbuilding. Work on the ship started in 1959. When it was first built, it could carry 60,000 tons of oil.
Later, the ship was made even bigger in Japan. Its capacity was doubled to 120,000 tons. This made it a true "supertanker."
At the time of the crash, the ship was owned by Barracuda Tanker Corporation. This company was part of Union Oil Company. The ship was registered in Liberia, but it was rented by British Petroleum. The Torrey Canyon was 974.4 feet (297.0 meters) long. It was 125.4 feet (38.2 meters) wide. The part of the ship under the water, called the draught, was 68.7 feet (20.9 meters) deep.
What Happened After the Crash
An investigation was held in Liberia, where the ship was registered. The investigation found that the shipmaster, Pastrengo Rugiati, was responsible. He had tried to take a shortcut to save time. He wanted to reach Milford Haven faster.
Also, there was a problem with the ship's steering system. The helmsman, who steers the ship, did not know that the steering was still on autopilot. Because of this, he could not turn the ship in time to go through the correct shipping channel.
The wreck of the Torrey Canyon now lies at a depth of 30 meters (98 feet) underwater.
See also
In Spanish: Torrey Canyon para niños
