Nowruz (oil field)

The Nowruz oil field, in the Persian Gulf, Iran, was the site of several 1983 oil spills.^[1]

One spill was initially caused by a tanker hitting a platform.^[2] In March, 1983, the platform was attacked by Iraqi helicopters and the spill caught fire. The Iran–Iraq War prevented technicians from capping the well until September 18, 1983.^[3] Eleven people were killed during the capping.

A separate spill occurred when Iraqi helicopters attacked a nearby platform in March 1983. The well was capped in May, 1985. Nine men were killed during the capping. Approximately 733,000 barrels (100,000 tonnes) of oil were spilled because of this incident.^[2]

Overall, 80 million gallons (about 260,000 tonnes) of oil were spilled.^[4]

References

1. ^ Roger Vielvoye (28-Mar-1983). "A messy reminder". Oil & Gas Journal (London): 57. 
2. ^ ^{a b} Emergency Response Division, Office of Response and Restoration, National Ocean Service (2010). "Nowruz Oil Field". IncidentNews. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, US Department of Commerce. http://www.incidentnews.gov/incident/6262. Retrieved 2010-05-12. 
3. ^ Ottaway, David B. (30-Mar-1983). "Gulf War Blocks Effort to Stop Large Oil Spill". The Washington Post: p. A25. 
4. ^ "Oil Spills and Disasters". infoplease.com. http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0001451.html. Retrieved 02-May-2010. 

Coordinates: 29°32′00″N 49°35′00″E / 29.5333°N 49.5833°E / 29.5333; 49.5833