Conoco Britannia
06/24/1973
North Sea
The incident
On the 24 June 1973, the Liberian oil tanker the Conoco Britannia grounded in Humber estuary due to engine failure. This accident caused 500 tonnes of crude oil to be spilled.
During the response operation, dispersants were spread on the surface of the sea and on the beaches affected. The cargo remaining in the damaged tank was pumped out.
The impact on the coastline was minimal, however a number of oiled birds were found.
Shipwreck zoneHumber Estuary
Spill areaCoastal zone
Accident cause Grounding
Quantity transported98, 400 tonnes
Pollutant typePétrole brut
Quantity spilled500 tonnes
Vessel typeOil tanker
Construction year1972
FlagLiberian