The grounding in 1967 of the supertanker Torrey Canyon on protruding granite rocks near the Scilly Isles off the southwest coast of England introduced the world to a new hazard: immense oil spills, especially from supertankers. It exposed current technology's inability to handle such massive quantities of spilled oil and the need for ship design that would help prevent them.

Although oil spills are tragic, each incident provides insight into the progress being made to prevent them. The Torrey Canyon accident pointed out needed research in the area of oil spills. These include the efficacy of storm waves, oil-consuming microbes, and time to heal the environment.

This wreck demonstrated the inadequacies of existing international marine law, especially questions of responsibility and liability. The international aspects of the Torrey Canyon case were complex. This American-owned vessel was registered in Liberia, sailed with a crew of mixed nationals, and...