Oil Slick from Stranded ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker Swells to 232 Square Miles Off Oman
Environmental groups are sounding the alarm as a major oil spill off the coast of Oman is shifting into a serious marine emergency. Satellite images indicate the contamination is spreading from a tanker stuck near a protected island chain home to whales, seabirds, and rare sea turtles.
According to Arab News, the oil sheen from an alleged Russian shadow fleet tanker has swelled from about 20 square kilometers, or 7.7 square miles, on July 24 to roughly 600 square kilometers, or 232 square miles, by Aug. 4. The outlet reported that data from Kpler indicated that the tanker loaded 1 million barrels of crude oil at Sheskharis, a Russian Black Sea terminal, on May 11 and seemed to be carrying that cargo when its last tracking signal appeared.
Arab News also reported that the U.K. sanctioned the Russian ship, believed to be the Caroline Bezengi, in February over suspected oil shipments. Vanguard Tech, a maritime security firm, said three explosions hit the ship on June 6, according to Arab News. The outlet noted that it is not clear what caused the explosions, but the damage has left the ship stranded.
Environmental Concerns Rise
The location of the spill adds to the concern. Oman established a marine reserve around the islands located in the region in 2025, an area that supports rare sea turtles, migratory seabirds, and Arabian Sea humpback whales. This makes any large-scale contamination potentially devastating to those ecosystems and animals.
Oil spills can coat birds and marine mammals, damage coral and shorelines, and disrupt breeding and feeding grounds. They can also affect fishing and tourism, two sectors that many coastal communities depend on for jobs and income. Greenpeace and other NGOs are sounding the alarm as satellite evidence continues to track the slick’s spread.
Cleanup Efforts Underway
The reserve status around the regional islands could raise the stakes for containment and cleanup, since the affected waters are recognized as ecologically important. With the tanker disabled in a difficult location, preventing a larger rupture appears to be a key concern. Environmental groups are urging swift action to mitigate the damage and prevent further harm to the marine ecosystem.
In comments to AFP, Nina Noelle, a Greenpeace campaigner, said the danger of the oil spilling is ongoing, warning that “with oil apparently continuing to leak and the vessel stranded in a difficult location, the risk of an even larger environmental disaster remains serious.”
Original Article: Oil slick from stranded ‘shadow fleet’ tanker swells to 232 square miles off Oman — Yahoo