In January 1994 an oil barge ran aground off the coast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, leaking its cargo of 750000 gallons into the ocean while causing the pollution of the city's beaches.

One big barge can move the same amount of cargo as 75 articulated lorries.

Because of the damage to the hull, seawater rushed into the under-deck watertight compartment on port side, the barge lost its balance and sank finally together with the loaded cargo.