Examine the Limburg tanker incident and the effects of oil spills

Overview: Yemeni authorities probe an explosion that occurred aboard the French tanker Limburg as they try to prevent the ship from running aground and spilling more of its 397,000 barrels of crude oil. Some are comparing this incident to the attack on the destroyer USS Cole in 2000. Help students to identify why terrorists might have wanted to target the Limburg and the information that authorities will need to determine whether the Limburg incident was a terrorist attack. Have students examine the short-term and long-term effects of oil spills on marine life and human life, and what can be done to minimize the potential damage from the Limburg spill.

Have the students read the story "Blast in Yemen: Accident or Attack?" and answer the following questions:

1. What happened to the French tanker Limburg in the Gulf of Aden yesterday? What are Yemeni investigators doing to try to learn who was responsible? What do French, Yemeni and American authorities believe happened? To what event is the Limburg incident being compared?

2. Refer students to multimedia resources to learn about what happened to the USS Cole on October 12, 2000 while it was docked in port in Aden, Yemen. Have students investigate the attack on the USS Cole, the probe into the incident and the political impact of the attack. After students share their findings, ask the following questions: Based on your research, what information do you think authorities will need to determine whether or not the Limburg incident was a terrorist attack? What is the role of France and Yemen in the U.S.-led War on Terrorism? Why might terrorists have wanted to target the French tanker? Discuss.

3. Point out to students that, the Limburg, which was carrying about 397,000 barrels of crude oil, is spewing oil and is in danger of sinking. As a result, the Yemenis are fearing an environmental catastrophe. Use this opportunity to have students examine the short-term and long-term effects of oil spills on marine life and human life, and what is being done to prevent and clean oil spills. Divide your class into two groups. Have one group research the immediate and long-term ecological and economic effects of marine oil spills. Have the other group research oil spill prevention and response. Direct each group to share its findings. Discuss the problems oil spills present to natural habitats and personal property, and what oil companies are trying to do to minimize these accidents. Then ask students: What can be done to minimize the potential damage from the Limburg spill?