Disasters Exxon Valdez Oil Spill: In the Wake of Disaster In 1989, a tanker ran aground off the coast of Alaska, causing one of the worst oil spills in United States history. Nearly 25 years later, the lessons of the Exxon Valdez continue to resonate. Watch this Retro Report documentary from The New York Times. Share This Previous ArticleTupac Shakur on Life and Death Next Article'Good Ol' Charles Shulz': Documentary about the Creator of 'Peanuts' Comic Strip December 10, 2013