Joseph Hazelwood
| Joseph Hazelwood | |
|---|---|
| Born |
Joseph Jeffrey Hazelwood September 24, 1946 Hawkinsville, Georgia, U.S. |
| Nationality | United States |
| Occupation | Maritime consultant |
| Known for | Master of Exxon Valdez during the Exxon Valdez oil spill |
Joseph Jeffrey Hazelwood (born September 24, 1946) is an American sailor. He was the captain of Exxon Valdez during its 1989 oil spill. He was accused of being intoxicated which contributed to the disaster, but was cleared of this charge at his 1990 trial after witnesses testified that he was sober around the time of the accident. Hazelwood was convicted of a lesser charge, negligent discharge of oil (a misdemeanor), fined $50,000, and sentenced to 1,000 hours of community service.
Hazelwood was born in Hawkinsville, Georgia, but was raised in Huntington, Long Island, New York. His father, Joseph was a United States Marine Corps torpedo bomber pilot turned airline pilot. His mother, Margaret, was born in Georgia. Hazelwood was their first-born son. He was married in 1969 to Suzanne and has one daughter, Alison (born September 7, 1975).
In 1964, Hazelwood graduated from Huntington High School, where his IQ was reportedly tested at 138. As a youth he was an avid sailor and was a member of the Sea Scouts. In May 1968, he received a bachelor of science degree in marine transportation from the State University of New York Maritime College.
Following college, on June 10, 1968 he was hired as a Third Mate by Humble Oil and Refining Company, which later became Exxon Shipping Company. His first ship was Esso Florence homeported in Wilmington, North Carolina. Hazelwood climbed the ranks of the merchant marine until he obtained a master's license at age 31.
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Wikipedia