Even the ocean can be tamed with a little fish oil

An oil spill from a Russian tanker near Oman has caused significant environmental damage, highlighting the historical use of oils for wave suppression. Plant and fish oils were once mandatory on lifeboats to calm rough seas. These oils contain polar molecules that spread on water, reducing surface tension and stabilizing waves. The phenomenon was known since ancient times, with Aristotle and Pliny documenting its effects. Benjamin Franklin studied it in the 18th century, demonstrating that thin oil layers could smooth water surfaces. A notable incident involved the Martha Cobb rescuing the crew of the Grecian by using fish oil to calm waves, showcasing the practical application of this knowledge. The U.S. Coast Guard later mandated closed lifeboats, changing the traditional use of oils.