Exxon Valdez transportation for repair, illustration. The USCGC Point Stuart escorting the Exxon Valdez oil tanker to a US West Coast shipyard for repair following its disastrous oil spill in Alaska. On 24 March 1989, this Exxon Corporation oil tanker struck Prince William Sound's Bligh Reef, near the Alaskan oil terminal of Valdez. Around 11 million gallons of Alaska North Slope crude oil leaked from the ruptured hull of the ship. At least 2000 kilometres of shoreline, largely nature reserves, were contaminated having a disastrous effect on wildlife. Around 11,000 people were involved in the clean-up operation at considerable cost to the Exxon Corporation.