Oil Spill Off Oman’s Coast Raises Environmental Concerns
A sanctions-hit tanker, Caroline Bezengi, is leaking oil off the coast of Oman, according to an analysis of satellite imagery and shipping specialists. The vessel took Russian oil on board at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk before leaving for its most recent voyage, ship tracking data shows.
The Caroline Bezengi first reported difficulties on June 8 off the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, two maritime security sources said, adding that initial assessments indicated that a blast occurred onboard. The area’s monsoon season, which usually peaks in July and August, can bring severe weather conditions that could rapidly spread the crude oil.
Satellite Images Show Vessel May Be Listing
Recent satellite imagery shows a dark slick in the water near the vessel and lighter patches north of al-Qibliyyah island, which lies close to Oman‘s coast and is part of a protected marine area. “The darker oil slicks indicate that at least one of the hulls of the crude oil storage ship seems now to be breached, and the ship is leaking crude oil,” Wim Zwijnenburg, a remote-sensing specialist with the Dutch peace advocacy organisation Pax, said after reviewing the imagery.
Reuters verified that the ship shown in recent satellite imagery is the Caroline Bezengi by its deck structures and paint, which matched archive imagery of the vessel, which is subject to European Union and UK sanctions for alleged involvement in carrying Russian fuels. Its owner, listed on shipping databases as Shanghai-based Rentoor Shipmanagement, could not be reached for comment.
International Concerns and Response
Oman‘s Transport, Communications and IT Ministry did not respond to a request for comment. The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization (IMO) is monitoring the situation closely, with a spokesperson stating that discussions are ongoing on addressing safety and environmental risks. Russia uses aging, often poorly maintained tankers in its so-called shadow fleet to circumvent Western sanctions on its oil exports.
It is not clear whether the blast damage on the vessel was caused by a possible attack by Ukraine, which has targeted Russian-related tankers, or stemmed from the conflict in the Middle East. The IMO will continue to closely monitor the situation and work with relevant authorities to mitigate any potential environmental damage.
Original Article: Oil spill from shadow fleet tanker spreading off Oman, satellite images show — Thedailystar