A pipeline for transporting oil that had been diverted from its place in California cracked as a result of towing an ship’s anchor, causing hundreds of thousands of gallons of crude oil to spill into the Pacific Ocean. Researchers claim that the fault may have started as early as a year ago, but over time it worsened until the pipe collapsed and caused a large oil stain. As a result of the heavy oil pollution, a mile-long marine habitat was damaged in the San Diego beach area and many beaches were closed. Thousands of volunteers came to help with the beach cleaning efforts.
illustration: Image by June Hanabi from Pixabay
