Salvage Efforts Halted Due to Weather Conditions
Weather conditions and operational challenges were hampering salvage efforts for a grounded tanker that was leaking Russian crude oil in a protected marine area off Oman‘s coast, the sultanate’s state news agency reported on Monday. The Caroline Bezengi tanker, which was apparently attacked in June, has been leaking oil since then, with estimates suggesting the spill covers an area of around 2,000 square kilometres.
Oman has been coordinating the salvage operation with risk-management company Ambrey as part of efforts to contain environmental damage from the spill. However, the harsh weather conditions and the vessel’s location on a rocky and shallow site have made it difficult for salvage vessels and equipment to operate safely.
Environmental Concerns Rise as Spill Spreads
The spill has spread around a nature reserve and hit Oman‘s coastline on Wednesday, raising concerns about the potential environmental damage. The government’s environment agency gave an official estimate of 400 square kilometres on August 10 but has yet to issue an update. The exact extent of the damage is still unclear, but it is likely to have significant impacts on the local ecosystem.
Salvage Efforts Face Major Hurdles
Mohammed bin Abdullah al-Rawahi, director general of maritime affairs at Oman‘s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said that difficulties emerged from the monsoon in the area and the shallow and rocky nature of the site where the vessel ran aground. The conditions put salvage vessels and equipment under “operational and navigational risks”, he was quoted as saying.
The challenges facing the salvage operation are significant, but Oman is working closely with international partners to contain the spill and prevent further environmental damage. The exact timeline for the salvage efforts is still unclear, but it is likely to be a complex and challenging process.
Original Article: Race to salvage leaking Russian oil tanker off Oman hits major hurdles — Bairdmaritime