International Salvage Operation Underway After Tanker Oil Spill Off Oman

A salvage operation has begun to stabilise the damaged oil tanker Caroline Bezengi after it leaked crude oil into waters off Oman, according to risk management company Ambrey.

The tanker, suspected of being part of Russia’s shadow fleet used to transport sanctioned oil, has been leaking since June after its crew reported an unidentified explosion. Oil has now reached beaches along Oman’s central coast.

Ambrey said it is working with Omani authorities as part of a major international response involving salvage vessels, aircraft and specialist personnel. Specialist teams have already boarded the vessel to begin stabilising its cargo, while salvage vessels are expected to arrive soon.

The spill has expanded significantly in recent weeks. Greenpeace estimates that the affected area grew from about 45 square kilometres in late July to approximately 1,300 square kilometres by Wednesday. Omani authorities had previously estimated the spill at around 400 square kilometres.

Environmental experts have warned that the expanding spill poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems and coastlines, including a recently established marine reserve near the Hallaniyat archipelago.

Ambrey said the operation has been complicated by severe weather linked to Oman’s annual Khareef monsoon season. The company said it has deployed specialist experts, aircraft, vessels and equipment to reduce the environmental impact.

The International Maritime Organization said it was closely monitoring the situation and would continue supporting efforts to address the incident.

However, the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds said it would not participate in the cleanup after determining that the incident was likely linked to an act of war.

Experts have criticised the delay in controlling the source of the spill, while also acknowledging the difficulties faced by Oman because the tanker has no clearly responsive owner, verified insurer or functioning flag state.

The incident has renewed calls for stronger international mechanisms to ensure that companies responsible for oil pollution can be identified and held accountable for cleanup and environmental damage.

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