The collision occurred between two massive oil tankers, the SS Atlantic Empress and Aegean Captain, in the waters off Trinidad. The SS Atlantic Empress, which was over 400 meters in length, was laden with crude oil when it collided with the Aegean Captain during a heavy storm. The low visibility and challenging weather conditions contributed to the disaster. Upon collision, both tankers suffered catastrophic damage, leading to a significant oil spill that released an estimated 287,000 barrels of oil into the Caribbean Sea.

The collision was particularly notable not just for its scale but also for the ensuing fire that engulfed both vessels. Efforts to control the blaze and clean up the massive oil slick took weeks, drawing in resources from various countries and organizations. The spill posed severe threats to marine life and local fisheries, leading to long-term environmental monitoring and the implementation of stricter regulations for oil transportation to prevent similar disasters in the future.

In the aftermath of the event, the maritime industry reassessed its safety protocols and response strategies to oil spills, acknowledging the potential devastation that can arise from such accidents. The environmental impacts and economic repercussions resonated widely, as the region relied heavily on fishing and tourism.