Thursday 28 February 2013

Pacific Glory

Tragedy struck in 1970 when a supertanker carrying crude oil, the Pacific Glory, collided with another, the Allegro, and blew up in the Solent killing thirteen of its crew and injuring many more. The tanker went aground near Sandown on the Isle of Wight. The Portsmouth City Fire Brigade responded with exceptional efficiency in an operation that involved approximately 200 firemen and that took over 40 hours. Due to the promptness of the response pollution from the spill was limited and the resulting slicks dispersed before reaching the local tourist beaches. Three local firemen were awarded the British Empire Medal as a result of their work in this operation.