The oil tanker Erika poured 30,000 tons of fuel on the coast of Britain. As a result of the storm, the boat split in half. It was one of the most important environmental cases in the French courts and a milestone for environmental groups. It is estimated that the contamination killed 300,000 birds.

As a result of the accident, the European Commission made a number of regulatory proposals, particularly as regards the inspection and safety of oil tankers.

In 2008, the oil company Total was convicted of neglecting the maintenance of the ship.