As a domain expert in environmental disasters, I can provide a detailed account of the Exxon Valdez oil spill incident. The Exxon Valdez oil spill occurred on March 24, 1989, when the oil tanker, the Exxon Valdez, ran aground on Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska. The spill resulted in the release of approximately 11 million gallons (or around 250,000 barrels) of crude oil into the water, causing one of the most devastating environmental disasters in U.S. history.

The immediate aftermath of the spill saw a massive cleanup effort, which involved local fishermen, environmental groups, and oil company workers. The oil spread rapidly, coating over 1,300 miles of coastline and impacting a rich ecosystem that included sea otters, seals, birds, fish, and other marine life. The response to the spill was criticized for being slow and inadequate, and it highlighted the need for better preparedness and response strategies for such incidents.

Legal battles ensued following the disaster. Exxon was found guilty of negligence and was initially ordered to pay over $5 billion in punitive damages. However, after a series of appeals and legal wrangling, the amount was significantly reduced. The company also faced cleanup costs and settlements with various parties affected by the spill.

In the years following the spill, there have been extensive studies on the long-term environmental impacts. While some areas have shown signs of recovery, others continue to struggle. The spill had a profound effect on the local economy, particularly on fishing and tourism, and it led to changes in maritime laws and practices to prevent similar incidents.

The Exxon Valdez itself was repaired and returned to service under a new name, the SeaRiver Mediterranean. The vessel was later renamed several times, reflecting the controversy and the desire of some to dissociate from the incident's notoriety.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of human error and the importance of stringent safety measures in the shipping industry. It also underscored the vulnerability of delicate ecosystems to the effects of oil spills and the need for robust environmental protection policies.

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After the Big Spill, What Happened to the Ship Exxon Valdez? ... On July 30, 1989, four months after it ran aground in Alaska's Prince William Sound and caused the then-largest oil spill in U.S. waters, the crippled Exxon Valdez entered dry dock at National Steel and Shipbuilding in San Diego--its original birthplace.read more >>