Leaked oil from grounded tanker reaches Oman mainland
UN maritime agency says monsoon conditions have hindered salvage work as crude oil spreads toward Oman’s coast
MUSCAT, Oman (MNTV) — Oil leaking from a crude tanker grounded off Oman’s coast has begun reaching the mainland, raising concerns over the environmental impact of a spill that has continued for weeks.
The International Maritime Organization said Wednesday that it was monitoring the situation involving the Caroline Bezengi, which ran aground off Oman on June 30 and is currently located about 22 nautical miles, or 41 kilometers, from Sharbithat.
The tanker was carrying approximately 130,000 tons of crude oil, equivalent to around 800,000 barrels, when it grounded.
The UN shipping agency said oil has been escaping from the vessel for some time and that seasonal monsoon conditions have made access to the tanker difficult, delaying salvage and containment operations.
According to the organization, the spilled crude is moving through waters northeast of Al-Qibliyyah Island, with part of the pollution now reported to have reached Oman’s mainland.
The agency said oil-spill emergency plans have been activated to address the incident and reduce potential environmental damage. It added that it has remained in contact with the Omani government since the tanker ran aground and will continue assisting authorities with response efforts.
Oman’s Environment Authority previously estimated that the oil slick had spread across about 390 square kilometers northeast of the Al Hallaniyat Islands.
Authorities said the pollution was approximately seven kilometers from the coastline at the time of the assessment and that desalination facilities and tourism sites in the area faced no immediate danger.
The affected waters are part of a protected marine reserve that supports a range of wildlife, including the endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale and Socotra cormorants.
The Caroline Bezengi is a 274-meter Suezmax tanker built in 2001. The vessel has been sanctioned by the United Kingdom and European Union over its role in transporting Russian-origin oil.
The tanker is also believed to be associated with Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, a network of older vessels used to transport crude while operating outside Western shipping and insurance systems.
The continuing spread of the oil has increased pressure for salvage and containment operations to prevent further contamination of Oman’s coastline and surrounding marine habitats.
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