Oil Spill Accelerates Off Oman’s Coast as Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Leaks
The oil leakage from the Russian shadow fleet tanker Caroline Bezengi, grounded in Oman‘s Al Hallaniyat archipelago, has accelerated and is now estimated to have spread across roughly 600 square kilometres – a fourfold increase over just the last two days. According to satellite imagery analysis by Greenpeace Germany, the spill covered 45 square kilometres up until 26 July, expanded to around 150 square kilometres by 2 August, and now extends across roughly 600 square kilometres as of 4 August.
The situation is critical, with large stretches of Al Qibliyah Island’s shoreline appearing to have been affected, while additional oil slicks extend far out to sea, further polluting and damaging this protected marine ecosystem. The tanker has reportedly been leaking oil since it ran aground in June, following a suspected limpet mine attack that resulted in the flooding of the engine room.
Environmental Consequences Will Be Severe
The environmental consequences of the oil spill will be severe, threatening coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and coastal habitats that support endangered sea turtles, migratory seabirds, and marine mammals in the Hallaniyat Islands. Sea turtles rely on the islands’ beaches for nesting and egg-laying, while many seabird species depend on the islands as critical breeding sites. The surrounding waters are also home to the rare Arabian Sea humpback whale.
Hanen Keskes, campaigner at Greenpeace MENA, warned that even relatively small oil spills can have long-lasting consequences for marine ecosystems with chemical residues that persist in marine sediments for years, compromising their ecological resilience.
Urgent Action Needed
Urgent action is needed to contain the spill and prevent further harm to marine life and local livelihoods. Greenpeace urges the Omani authorities and all relevant regional bodies to act immediately to assess all remaining options to contain the spill, secure the tanker’s cargo, and conduct a comprehensive, independent assessment of the ecological damage.
Where additional capacity is needed, Oman should urgently request international assistance for expertise, equipment, and resources as required. The Caroline Bezengi is stranded close to Al Qibliyah, an uninhabited island in the Al Hallaniyat archipelago, within a marine protected area. According to reports, the tanker was nearly fully loaded when it ran aground and estimated to be carrying around 800,000 barrels of oil.
Wider Concerns Raised by Russia’s Shadow Fleet
The difficulties surrounding the Caroline Bezengi reflect wider concerns raised by previous Greenpeace investigations into Russia’s shadow fleet. The vessel lost its flag registration in Cameroon on May 29, and is since listed as ‘flag unknown’ by the International Maritime Organisation. Omani authorities reportedly ordered the Shanghai-based owner to act, but received no response.
The tanker is not insured by any recognised Protection and Indemnity (P&I) club, but an opaque insurer called Arsenal Kyrgystan, apparently based in the Kyrgyz Republic, according to information for October 2025 obtained by Greenpeace Nordic from Danish authorities. It is unclear whether that cover remains valid or has been cancelled.
Original Article: Oil disaster unfolds in protected marine area as Russian shadow fleet tanker leak accelerates off Oman — Greenpeace