Satellite Images Reveal Worsening Condition of Sanctioned Tanker Off Oman’s Coast
Satellite images reviewed by The Associated Press show that the sanctioned tanker Caroline Bezengi, carrying nearly a million barrels of oil, appears to be sinking further into the water off the coast of Oman after being grounded there for weeks. The vessel is also leaking increasing amounts of crude oil into the surrounding sea.
The spill has spread quickly in recent days and reached the shores of Qibliyah Island off Oman’s south-west coast. By August 7, it covered nearly 800 square km, according to Wim Zwijnenburg, an environmental expert with the Dutch organisation PAX, which tracks environmental damage in conflict zones.
Environmental Concerns Grow as Spill Reaches Protected Marine Area
The affected area is part of the Arabian Sea reserve, a marine protected area that is home to wildlife including endangered petrels and the rare Arabian Sea humpback whale. The 247-metre Caroline Bezengi has been grounded off Qibliyah Island for two months. Media reports said the crew had reported an explosion on board on June 8.
International Sanctions and Ownership Confusion Surround Grounded Tanker
The tanker is believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” and has been sanctioned by the British government and the European Union for carrying Russian oil. According to geospatial data tracking company SynMax Maritime, it left the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk in May. Greenpeace and other reports said the vessel’s owners are believed to be based in Shanghai.
Oman Government Responds to Incident, But Rescue Efforts Unclear
It remains unclear whether any rescue or salvage effort is under way. On Thursday, the Oman government said it was responding to the incident, but it was not immediately clear whether authorities had reached the tanker or were trying to stop the leak. A statement carried by the Oman News Agency said authorities were monitoring the area through satellite imagery, field surveys and technical models, and that teams were ready “to implement necessary procedures” to deal with possible effects on marine life and navigation safety.
Greenpeace Warns of Imminent Risk of Unprecedented Oil Disaster
Greenpeace Germany warned on Wednesday of an “imminent risk of an unprecedented oil disaster from a broken tanker with devastating consequences for the region’s coastlines and marine ecosystems”, and urged all concerned bodies to act immediately to assess ways to contain the spill, while calling on Oman to seek international assistance if needed.
The latest satellite assessments indicate that the grounded Caroline Bezengi is leaking more oil as it sinks further off Oman’s coast, with the spill spreading across a protected marine area and concerns growing over the environmental impact and the absence of a clear salvage response.
Original Article: Oman oil spill widens as sanctioned tanker sinks off protected coast — Indiatoday