Culture And Memory

Black Tide: the SS Torrey Canyon Oil Spil

In 1967 the supertanker SS Torrey Canyon ran aground, spilling millions of gallons of crude oil—the largest oil spill in European waters. People watched in horror as a black tide devastated miles of Cornish coastline. Failed efforts to bomb the wreckage, burn the oil, and spray 10,000 tons of chemical dispersants turned the disaster into an unprecedented environmental crisis. The Black Tide project will explore the event’s heritage and impact through stories, memorabilia, and firsthand accounts, alongside other sources. A dramatic,compelling high-quality audiovisual piece produced to the highest professional standards, an innovative interactive web tool, podcasts and other engaging resources will bring the heritage to life and increase understanding of the environmental consequences. These engaging and accessible resources will be showcased, exhibited, and toured, ensuring a lasting understanding of the disaster’s legacy and increased awareness of environmental protection issues for tens of thousands of people.