The Greek oil tanker Prestige, carrying a significant cargo of oil, encountered perilous weather conditions while sailing off the coast of Galicia near Spain. After sustaining severe damage from the harsh waves, the crew issued a distress signal and aimed to find refuge in a nearby port. However, despite initial attempts to control the situation and stabilize the vessel, it was unable to withstand the elements, leading to a catastrophic split and sinking. Over 76,000 cubic meters of oil were released into the ocean, creating a massive slick that spread along the coast.

The aftermath was catastrophic for both the environment and the economy of the surrounding regions. Communities that relied on fishing found their livelihoods threatened, as the pollution devastated aquatic habitats and marine biodiversity. As the oil washed ashore, pristine beaches were sullied, leading to a profound ecological disaster in what became known as one of the largest maritime oil spills in history. Cleanup efforts were extensive and costly, mobilizing thousands of volunteers and professionals to mitigate the damage.

In addition to the immediate ecological consequences, the sinking of the Prestige raised critical discussions about maritime safety regulations, oil transportation practices, and environmental protection policies in the European Union. The tragedy shed light on the vulnerabilities of aging tankers and inadequacies in spill response mechanisms, prompting demands for stricter oversight in the shipping industry and increased accountability for oil companies. The Prestige incident not only impacted Spain and Portugal but also reverberated throughout the international maritime community, sparking legislative changes aimed at preventing future disasters.