Storm Oil Tamed Rough Seas

Sailors once poured storm oil onto the ocean during rough weather to weaken waves and make navigation or sea rescues safer. The nearly water-insoluble oil spread into a thin surface layer, absorbed some wave energy, and reduced the wind's grip on the water. Steamships and lifeboats in many countries had to carry it into the late 20th century, while Britain's Merchant Shipping Act 1894 kept the requirement for British vessels until 1998. Crews often used inexpensive vegetable or fish oil.

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