42. The Catastrophic Decline of the Prestige Near Spanish Shores
Year: 2002
Location: Spain
Company: American Bureau of Shipping/ London P&I Club
Estimated Damage Value: $2.8 billion*
In 2002, the Prestige oil tanker faced a storm off the coast of Spain, leading to a burst tank and the spill of 77,000 tonnes of oil. Denied entry, it sank, showcasing the devastating environmental impact with a $2.8 billion damage.

This disaster unleashed 17.8 million gallons of oil into the sea, decimating marine life and destroying the local fishing industry. The cleanup efforts alone cost $2.8 billion, marking it as one of the most expensive environmental disasters.