An oil spill off Oman has spread across a huge area of the Arabian Sea after a tanker carrying Russian crude oil suffered damage near the country’s southern coast. Oman’s Environment Authority said the slick now covers approximately 390 square kilometres, raising concerns about possible environmental damage.
The tanker, Caroline Bezengi, is a 274-metre vessel that has been under European Union and British sanctions over its involvement in transporting Russian fuel. The ship was reportedly loaded with Russian crude before beginning its voyage.
According to maritime security sources, the tanker’s crew reported problems on June 8 while the vessel was located off Mukalla, a southern Yemeni port. Initial assessments suggested that a blast may have occurred onboard, although the exact cause of the damage remains unknown.
The tanker stopped transmitting its public AIS tracking signal on June 11 while it was off the coast of Yemen. Satellite images later showed an expanding slick near Oman’s Hallaniyat Islands, located in the Dhofar Governorate.
Oman’s Environment Authority said its latest satellite analysis found that the oil slick extends northeast from the islands toward the mainland. At its closest point, the spill is estimated to be only seven kilometres from the shoreline.
Reuters analysis of satellite imagery and shipping data indicated that the spill was still spreading at the end of July. The development has increased concerns about the potential impact on marine ecosystems, coastal areas and wildlife.
The incident also highlights concerns surrounding Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which consists of older tankers often used to transport Russian oil while helping circumvent Western sanctions.
Authorities have not publicly explained what caused the tanker damage or provided a detailed account of the incident. Efforts are now underway to assess and manage the environmental threat in Omani waters.
