July 19

On July 19, 1976, Nepal designated Sagarmatha National Park, encompassing the southern slopes of Mount Everest. Covering over 1,148 square kilometers, the park preserves a range of ecosystems from subtropical forests to alpine tundra. It shelters endangered species such as the snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, and red panda. The Sherpa communities within the park have traditionally coexisted with nature, blending cultural heritage and conservation. In 1979, Sagarmatha became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its global importance. Today, the park remains a vital sanctuary and a draw for climbers and trekkers worldwide.

On July 19, 1979, the Liberian-registered SS Atlantic Empress collided with the Aegean Captain off the coast of Tobago. The impact ruptured tanks on both ships, releasing an estimated 287,000 tonnes of crude oil into the Caribbean Sea. The spill drifted across sensitive coral reefs and mangrove ecosystems, triggering widespread environmental damage. Containment and cleanup efforts were hampered by rough seas and limited equipment. The disaster highlighted the risks of maritime oil transport and led to stricter international safety protocols. Decades later, the ecological scars of the spill are still studied by marine scientists. This incident remains a cautionary tale in shipping history.