A massive oil spill off Oman is rapidly expanding, raising fears of a major environmental disaster along the country’s coastline.
The slick from the grounded tanker Caroline Bezengi has now spread across more than 2,000 square kilometres, with oil reaching Oman’s shores near Ras Madrakah.
The tanker was carrying around 800,000 barrels of Russian crude when it ran aground off Oman on June 30 after an unexplained incident. The vessel is believed to be part of Russia’s sanctioned “shadow fleet.”
A British maritime risk company, Ambrey, has begun containment and salvage operations, but rough monsoon conditions are making the response increasingly difficult.
Environmental experts warn the spill threatens sensitive marine habitats, including areas home to endangered Arabian Sea humpback whales and Socotra cormorants.
Meanwhile, separate oil slicks have been detected near Iran’s Qeshm and Sirri islands, adding to concerns over pollution across the wider Gulf.
With multiple spills now threatening coastlines and marine ecosystems, environmental groups and authorities are racing to contain the damage before it spreads further.
