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Gino/Team Castor

Name
Gino/Team Castor
Accident date
28/04/1979
Location
France
Accident area
Off Ushant island, Finistere
Spill area
Offshore
Cause of spill
Collision
Quantity transported
40, 000 tonnes
Nature of pollutant
Carbon black
Quantity spilled
32, 000 tonnes
Ship / structure type
Oil tanker
Built date
1969
Length
216.42 m
Width
28.66 m
Flag
liberian

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.

Last update on 02/02/2007
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