08 - The sinking of the Erika, one oil spill too many - Disasters, True Stories

Is this the result of chance, a curse, or a sea tired of so much traffic? For decades, Brittany has had the sad habit of seeing ships run aground not far from its coasts. On December 8, 1999, it was the Erika's turn to take this route, a tanker flying the Maltese flag, a 25 year old veteran, 184 meters long, and carrying 31,000 tons of fuel oil in its 14 holds. It left Dunkirk, crossed the English Channel, passed the Ushantrail and reached the Atlantic in one piece. Headed south to Milazzo, Sicily, where the cargo must be delivered. There's no need to prolong the suspense any further: the Erika would never see the tip of the Vesuvio... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices