Oman Oil Spill Reaches Coastline as Pollution Spreads

A major oil spill from the stricken tanker Caroline Bezengi has reached Oman’s mainland, polluting beaches along the country’s central coast, environmental authorities said.

The tanker, which ran aground off Oman in June and has been leaking crude oil, has contaminated beaches around Ras Madrakah, affecting up to 40 kilometres (25 miles) of coastline.

Oman’s Environment Authority also warned that oil could reach the southern coast of Masirah Island within hours, potentially affecting another 10–20 kilometres of coastline.

Specialised response teams are monitoring the spill and carrying out containment and cleanup operations, with priority given to environmentally sensitive areas.

Authorities said earlier that the oil slick covered nearly 400 square kilometres, particularly around the Hallaniyat Islands, an area containing a marine reserve that protects sea turtles and other marine life. Environmental organisations, including Greenpeace, believe the actual size of the spill could be considerably larger.

The Caroline Bezengi has remained disabled near Oman’s Al Hallaniyat Islands since June 8, when its crew reported a suspected explosion. The cause of the incident has not been disclosed.

Western governments have identified the tanker, which previously sailed under the flag of Cameroon, as part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which is used to transport Russian oil despite international sanctions.

The tanker, built in 2001, is currently under sanctions imposed by the European Union, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada and Ukraine.

Environmental groups have warned that the expanding spill could cause severe damage to Oman’s coastal ecosystems. Greenpeace previously described it as a potential “unprecedented oil disaster” unless urgent action is taken.

Experts estimate that the tanker was carrying about 800,000 barrels of crude oil, making the incident a potentially major environmental disaster.

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