Deadly Engineering Season 2 Episode 2 Exxon Valdez Declassified

In the second episode of Deadly Engineering season 2, titled "Exxon Valdez Declassified," viewers are taken on a deep dive into one of the most catastrophic oil spills in history. The episode takes a closer look at the mechanical and engineering failures that led to the infamous Exxon Valdez accident, including the role of the ship's captain, Joseph Hazelwood.

The episode starts off by providing some background information on the Exxon Valdez oil spill. On March 24, 1989, the tanker ran aground on a reef in Prince William Sound, off the coast of Alaska, spilling over 10 million gallons of crude oil into the ocean. The accident had a devastating impact on the environment, killing thousands of animals and severely damaging the local fishing industry.

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts to the engineering and mechanical factors that caused the accident. One of the main issues was the ship's outdated navigation equipment. The Exxon Valdez was equipped with an older model of radar, which made it difficult for the crew to navigate through the narrow, ice-filled waters of Prince William Sound. As a result, the ship veered off course and ran aground on the reef.

Another factor was the ship's lack of a double hull. At the time, double-hulled tankers were not yet required by law, and the Exxon Valdez only had a single hull. This made the ship more vulnerable to damage in the event of a collision, and allowed for a much larger spill to occur.

The episode also explores the role of the ship's captain, Joseph Hazelwood. Although Hazelwood was not directly responsible for the mechanical failures that led to the accident, his actions leading up to the collision were highly questionable. For example, he was drunk at the time of the accident and had left the bridge in the hands of an inexperienced third mate.

The episode takes a critical look at Hazelwood's decisions and actions, which many believe contributed to the severity of the oil spill. It also explores some of the legal and ethical issues surrounding the incident, such as the lack of accountability for corporate entities and the long-term environmental and socio-economic impacts of the spill on local communities.

Overall, "Exxon Valdez Declassified" is a thought-provoking and informative episode that sheds light on the complex engineering and human factors that contributed to one of the worst ecological disasters in history. Through a combination of expert interviews, stunning visuals, and historical footage, the show offers a unique perspective on the Exxon Valdez oil spill and its aftermath.