Scientific consequences of the wreck of the “Torrey Canyon”

Abstract

1. The re-deployment of the resources of the Plymouth Laboratory required to observe the consequences of the “Torrey Canyon” disaster were described. Some excerpts were taken from the report (Smith 1968) to be published by the Marine Biological Association of U. K. on 18 March, 1968. 2. Field studies were made at sea and on the polluted shores, as well as laboratory studies of the toxicity of the detergents employed to disperse the oil. 3. The drift of the oil, established by aerial reconnaissance, was found to be directly ahead of the wind at 3.3 % of the wind speed. 4. Now that the 3.3 % factor has been established by direct observation at sea, a limited aerial survey of the area where the oil was predicted to be would have been of more value than the blanket survey of a limited area close to the coast. 5. When known, strong surface currents should be added vectorially to the calculated wind-drift. Two examples are quoted, one explaining the differences between calculated drift and the drift observed by the French while oil was northwest of Ushant. The results in the Helgoland Bight were compared. 6. The value of craie de Champagne used by the French to sink the oil at sea and the possible part played by the phagotrophic flagellate,Noctiluca miliaris, were discussed. 7. Implications of the “Torrey Canyon” disaster affecting international law and enforcement were developed. The need was stated for an international fire brigade ready to deal with pollution of the sea by an accident on the high seas or on a coast.