Chronology of the Exxon Valdez : on March 24 , the tanker runs aground. Defense lawyers had complained since the outset that Hazelwood was being held responsible not only for the grounding -- which they conceded was "a tragic accident" -- but also for the "botched containment and cleanup." March 30 , the captain is fired; April 4 , spill called the oil industry's " three mile island;" June 19 , oil companies announce plan for $250 million network of response teams; September 15 , beach cleanup operations suspended for winter; October 27 , Exxon resigned from National Wildlife Federations advisory board. December 4 , Transportation Secretary announces that cleanup cost Wildlife $250 million ; March 22 , Wildlife officials report 1,000 sea otters, 140 bald eagles and 36,500 seabirds dead; February 27 , Exxon and subsidiary indicted; and December 31 , captain found guilty of negligent discharge of oil. Exxon was ordered to resume the beach cleanup on May 1 .
Chronology of the Exxon Valdez : on March 24 , the tanker runs aground. March 30 , the captain is fired; April 4 , spill called the oil industry's " three mile island;" June 19 , oil companies announce plan for $250 million network of response teams; September 15 , beach cleanup operations suspended for winter; October 27 , Exxon resigned from National Wildlife Federations advisory board. December 4 , Transportation Secretary announces that cleanup cost Wildlife $250 million ; March 22 , Wildlife officials report 1,000 sea otters, 140 bald eagles and 36,500 seabirds dead; February 27 , Exxon and subsidiary indicted; and December 31 , captain found guilty of negligent discharge of oil. Exxon was ordered to resume the beach cleanup on May 1 .