Bligh Reef

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title: "Bligh Reef" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["exxon-valdez-oil-spill", "landforms-of-chugach-census-area,-alaska", "reefs-of-alaska", "reefs-of-the-pacific-ocean"] description: "Reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska" topic_path: "general/exxon-valdez-oil-spill" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bligh_Reef" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska ::

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e4/Bligh_Reef_NOAA_16708.png" caption="Map excerpt showing Bligh Reef and automated beacon." alt="Map excerpt showing Bligh Reef."] ::

Bligh Reef, sometimes known as Bligh Island Reef, is a reef off the coast of Bligh Island in Prince William Sound, Alaska. This was the location of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. After the incident, 33 US Code § 2733 mandated the operation of an automated navigation light to prevent future collisions with the reef. Despite these efforts the tug Pathfinder ran aground on Bligh Reef on Dec 24, 2009, rupturing its tanks and spilling diesel fuel. Bligh Reef is also where Alaska Steamship Company's Olympia ran aground in 1910.

Bligh Reef serves as a fishing ground for halibut and a harvesting area for shrimp. The nearest town is Tatitlek, which lies 7 mi to the northeast.

The reef was named after William Bligh, of future HMS Bounty fame, who served as Master aboard ship during James Cook's third world voyage.

References

References

1. (2008). "Bligh Reef". HomeTownLocator, Inc..
2. "Frequently asked questions about the Spill". Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council.
3. [https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/33/2733- 33 USC 2733]
4. (2009-12-27). "Tug grounds on Bligh Reef". MarineLog.
5. (1910-12-13). "Olympia's Passengers Safe". New York Times.
6. "Details of the Wreck of the S.S. ''Olympia''", ''Fairbanks Daily News-Miner''. January 3, 1911. Page 2.
7. (2008). "Prince William Sound July Fishing Summary". Alaska Department of Fish & Game.
8. "Prince William Sound Shrimp". Alaska Department of Fish & Game.

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