The rubber ducks that changed our understanding of the world's oceans

Thousands of rubber bath toys were released in the North Pacific in a container accident some 30 years ago. They helped provide valuable data for oceanographers. Photo: dpa/picture alliance/Symbolbild

Some 30 years ago, a container toppled off a ship into the North Pacific. Such an accident in itself isn’t that remarkable as they are quite common.

But this one would help provide valuable insights into the oceans.