Massive oil spill its waters near Oman islands from sanctioned tanker
Photo: Oil tanker (Getty Images)
A large-scale crude oil spill has been reported off the coast of Oman from the tanker Caroline Bezengi, which found itself in a difficult situation near Yemen. The country's authorities have stated that they are working to address the situation, but environmentalists are warning of potential long-term risks to the marine ecosystem, according to Reuters.
Oman's Environmental Protection Authority reported that the oil spill near the Hallaniyat Islands has spread over an area of approximately 390 square kilometers.
According to the agency, the slick is moving northeast of the islands and is located approximately seven kilometers from the coast. At the same time, authorities stated that there is currently no threat to facilities in the area, including desalination plants and tourism infrastructure.
According to vessel tracking data, the Caroline Bezengi loaded oil at the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk in April and passed through the Suez Canal in late May.
The tanker, built in 2001, is part of the so-called shadow fleet of old oil tankers used by Russia to transport oil despite sanctions.
Such vessels often lack Western insurance coverage and may fly the flags of various countries to conceal their actual owner.
Environmentalists warn of possible consequences
The incident is of particular concern due to the location of the spill. Last year, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman issued a decree establishing a nature reserve around the Hallaniyat Islands—an area home to rare marine species, including Arabian Sea humpback whales and Socotra cormorants.
The environmental organization Greenpeace previously estimated the area of the oil slick at approximately 600 square kilometers, citing an analysis of satellite imagery.
Experts note that the scale of such a spill requires a comprehensive cleanup operation. According to Tony Gutierrez, a professor of environmental microbiology and biotechnology at the University of Edinburgh—Heriot-Watt, special dispersants, booms, and oil recovery equipment can be used to address the consequences.
He emphasizes that the greatest danger arises if the oil reaches shallow waters and the coastline, where it can harm corals, birds, and fish.
Background
Russia continues to actively use its shadow fleet to export oil subject to sanctions, but an increasing number of such tankers are being targeted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. For example, on August 9, the Unmanned Systems Forces (SBS) reported that three vessels of Russia’s shadow fleet had been struck in the Black Sea. Among them were one oil tanker and two dry cargo ships.
Ukrainian drones have recently attacked 13 Russian shadow fleet vessels in the waters of the Black and Azov Seas.
Before this, the Unmanned Systems Forces (SBS) had struck four vessels of Russia's shadow fleet in the Black Sea.
