Amoco Cadiz: 40 years on

Today marks the 40th anniversary of the Amoco Cadiz oil spill off the coast of Brittany, France.

The accident took place on March 16th 1978, where the Amoco Cadiz ultimately split into three, and sank.

The Vessel was left in disaster after the steering gear failed, and the weather had taken the ‘Super Tanker’ onto a set of rocks.

More than 1.6 million barrels of oil were spilled into the sea, having the largest devastating effect on marine wildlife.

Around 300,000 seabirds were killed or injured, with 350 of those washing up onto the islands.

As an attempt of controlling the oil spill from spreading, French Naval Helicopters bombed the wreck.

Today, many Islanders who were involved in the clean-up have been remembering those shocking scenes, 40 years on.