Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: Tank Barge Grounds in Rhode Island, Spills Oil

1/19/2026

29 5

Summary

Story summary

On January 19, 1996, the tank barge North Cape and the tug Scandia ran aground on Moonstone Beach in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, after a fire broke out in the tug's engine room during a winter storm. This incident resulted in a massive spill of approximately 828,000 gallons of home heating oil, contaminating Block Island Sound and closing a significant fishing area.

1 of 1

Story summary

On January 19, 1996, the tank barge North Cape and the tug Scandia ran aground on Moonstone Beach in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, after a fire broke out in the tug's engine room during a winter storm. This incident resulted in a massive spill of approximately 828,000 gallons of home heating oil, contaminating Block Island Sound and closing a significant fishing area.