The MV Braer was an oil tanker sailing through tumultuous waters near the Shetland Islands when it encountered severe weather conditions. On January 5, it ran aground on the Shetland's coast, leading to a catastrophic spill of 84,700 tons of crude oil. This incident is regarded as one of the largest oil spills in the region's history. The ship was on its way from Norway to the United States when it lost navigational control due to high winds and rough seas, ultimately striking the rocky shores of the Shetland Islands.

The aftermath of the spill was significant, with oil washing up on the shores of various islands, leading to devastating impacts on local wildlife, including seabirds and marine fauna. The fishing industry, vital to the local economy, faced severe challenges due to contamination. In response, a concerted effort was made involving local authorities, marine experts, and the government to undertake cleanup operations. Skimmers and other recovery equipment were deployed to mitigate the damage, although environmentalists pointed out that recovery would take years.

Investigations into the incident revealed flaws in safety regulations for oil tankers, especially those operating in harsh maritime environments. Following the Braer spill, discussions around improving maritime safety and spill response methods gained traction, influencing policy changes not only in the UK but also globally. These conversations focused on the need for more rigorous safety standards and better technology to prevent similar incidents in the future.