Perspective on Ixtoc 1 oil spill in 1979

Brownsville Herald ^ | May 2, 2010 | Laura Tillman

[brianr10]

It’s difficult to find South Padre Island residents who remember the IXTOC 1 oil spill that sprayed the area’s beaches with oil in 1979. But those who were living on the Island at that time have vivid memories of the oil hiding beneath the cover of sand.

[brianr10]

That one leaked 10,000 barrels a day - for nine months. Located just west of the Yucatan.

[octex]

I believe that’s the one that also fouled the beaches at Galveston. The sand would cover the tar balls but walking on the sand would result in feet covered with gooey tar. There were kerosene “stations” at various points along the beach, so the feet could be cleaned before getting into the auto or entering the high-rise hotels on the beach. It was one of my worst trips to Galveston.

[smokingfrog]

Tarballs!

[SouthTexas]

I’m north of Corpus and I remember it.

[Brad from Tennessee]

Thanks for this history. I hadn’t seen it mentioned before and don’t remember it.

[Paleo Conservative]

We got some interesting animal species in Port Aranasas that normally live much further south.