Salvage Operations Continue Off Oman Despite Calm Seas
Although there have not been any formal updates covering progress, it appears that the salvage activity on the wrecked Aframax tanker Caroline Bezengi (IMO 9224439) is continuing off Yemen’s southeastern coast.
The Caroline Bezengi remains firmly stuck on the rocks off the southwest tip of Jazirat Al Qibliyyah. The tanker is sanctioned by the EU, UK and US (OFAC), and has a past association with Russian state shipowner Sovcomflot. The tanker had completed a transit of the Suez Canal on May 30 and had left the Maritime Security Transit Corridor when a suspected limpet-mine blast occurred on June 8.
Offloading Process Delayed
Post-monsoon season weather appears to have started, with wind speeds on October 8 reported as a comparatively light 11 knots. Swells on October 8 were less than one meter and are expected to remain so for the following week. These mild surface conditions will enable operations on the deck of the tanker, and may enable the next phase of the salvage plan: maneuvering a small tanker close in to the lee of the island to start the offloading process.
As of October 8, there is no sign yet of an offload operation in progress. On satellite imagery and showing up on AIS on October 8 is the offshore vessel EDT Kennedy (IMO 9671400). There are three other vessels in the vicinity seen in the imagery. With the return of calmer seas, fishing boat activity in the area has now resumed.
Oil Spill Continues to Spread
The Caroline Bezengi is still leaking oil, and the sheen of a plume can be seen flowing towards the northeast, as seen previously. In the changed and calmer weather conditions, it now also appears to be spreading southeast.
Original Article: Calm Seas Favor Salvage Operations at “Shadow Fleet” Tanker Wreck off Oman — The Maritime Executive