Oil Slick Reaches 390 Square Kilometers Off Oman’s Coast
A leak of Russian crude oil from the sanctioned tanker Caroline Bezengi is continuing off the coast of Oman, with the area of oil pollution near the Hallaniyat Islands reaching approximately 390 square kilometers. Oman’s Environment Authority assessed the scale of the spill based on the latest analysis, including satellite imagery.
The oil is moving northeastward, from the Hallaniyat Islands toward Oman‘s mainland coast. The nearest contaminated area was detected about seven kilometers from shore, posing risks to the coastal ecosystem and marine areas near the coastline.
Leak Continues Despite End-of-Month Assessment
Analysis of satellite data and shipping information indicates that the leak from the 274-meter Caroline Bezengi had not stopped by the end of last month. Omani authorities did not disclose the cause of the damage to the tanker, which was reported to have experienced problems on board on June 8 while near the Yemeni port of Mukalla.
Preliminary information suggested that the issues may have been linked to an explosion. The tanker last transmitted a signal through the public AIS tracking system on June 11, at which time it was off the coast of Yemen.
Sanctioned Tanker Carries Russian Oil
Before beginning its voyage, the Caroline Bezengi was loaded with Russian crude oil. The European Union and the United Kingdom placed the vessel on sanctions lists over its involvement in transporting Russian energy resources.
The tanker is linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet,” a network of vessels used to circumvent restrictions imposed on Russian oil exports. The leak near Oman has become another environmental risk associated with transporting oil on such tankers.
Original Article: Sanctioned tanker leaks Russian crude off Oman as oil slick reaches 390 square kilometers — Mezha