The Amoco Cadiz was a supertanker that split in two off the coast of Brittany in 1978, resulting in the 5th largest oil spill in history. A seemingly minor failure in the ships steering gear started a slow drift to the French coastline in gale conditions and high seas. Initial refusal of aid from a nearby salvage tug, then stalled negotiations over salvage claim details,were contributing factors. 120 km of pristine coastline was covered with crude oil. In 1979, it was estimated to have caused $250 million in damage to fisheries and tourist amenities. The French government presented claims totalling $2 billion to United States courts.