Bligh Reef, sometimes known as Bligh Island Reef,[1] is a reef off the coast of Bligh IslandinPrince William Sound, Alaska. This was the location of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill.[2] After the incident, 33 US Code § 2733 mandated the operation of an automated navigation light to prevent future collisions with the reef.[3] Despite these efforts the tug Pathfinder ran aground on Bligh Reef on Dec 24, 2009, rupturing its tanks and spilling diesel fuel.[4] Bligh Reef is also where Alaska Steamship Company's Olympia ran aground in 1910.[5][6]
Bligh Reef serves as a fishing ground for halibut[7] and a harvesting area for shrimp.[8] The nearest town is Tatitlek, which lies seven miles (eleven kilometers) to the northeast.[1]
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.
60°50′26″N 146°52′48″W / 60.84056°N 146.88000°W / 60.84056; -146.88000