Gino
On 28 April 1979, the Liberian oil tanker Gino, transporting 40,000
tonnes of carbon black, a refined oil 1.09 times denser than water,
was en route from Port Arthur (Texas) to Le Havre, when she sank
off Ushant island after colliding with the Norwegian oil tanker
Team Castor in foggy conditions.
About
1,000 tonnes of oil were spilled from a damaged tank in the Team
Castor. 17 antipollution vessels poured dispersants on the oil slick.
The
Gino sank 120 metres deep, taking her cargo with her. Despite its
viscosity, the carbon black spread into the surrounding water.
A
submarine was sent to survey the wreck and take some photographs.
For many months, observation operations of the oil movement in the
depths of the sea were led by the French Navy.
Name: Gino/Team Castor
Date: 28 April 1979
Location: France
Accident area : Off Ushant island, Finistere
Cause of spill : collision
Quantity transported : 40,000 tonnes
Type of pollutant : carbon black
Quantity spilled : 32,000 tonnes
Ship type : oil tanker
Date built : 1969
Length : 216.42 m
Width : 28.66 m
Flag : liberian
Last update: April 2006