Sea Valiant
On 13 March 1979, the Liberian oil tanker Sea Valiant was off the coast of Finistère (France) when it suffered structural damage during a storm. During salvage operations, the tug sent on site accidentally pierced a hole in one of the vessel's bunker tanks. Some 20 to 30 tonnes of heavy fuel oil (n°6) leaked out into the Bay of Douarnenez.
Due to the action of prevailing winds, the oil first reached the coast at a single location: Pentrez beach. Thereafter, with the combined effect of the tides and a change in wind direction, the pollution extended to areas located southwards.
Mechanical and manual clean-up operations begin on 2 April on the Finistère coastline and were completed 4 days later.
Sources:
- Cedre, 1979, Accident du Sea Valiant - Pollution en Baie de Douarnenez
- MEDDMM, 2008, Répertoire d'archives détaillé : activités de la direction de l'eau, 1967-1993
Name: Sea Valiant
Date: 13 March 1979
Location: France
Accident area: Bay of Douarnenez, Brittany
Ship type: oil tanker
Flag: Liberian
Type of pollutant: heavy fuel oil (n°6)
Quantity spilled: 20 to 30 tonnes
Cause of spill: structural damage
Last update: 01/10/09