Key facts
- An oil spill is expanding off the coast of Oman from a grounded tanker.
- Satellite images indicate the spill covers an estimated 150 square kilometers.
- The tanker, Caroline Bezengi, is sanctioned by the U.K. and carries oil originating from Russia.
- The vessel has been grounded since June and is estimated to be carrying over 800,000 barrels of crude oil.
- The spill is impacting Qibliyah Island, a marine protected area.
An oil spill from a Russian-sanctioned tanker grounded off the coast of Oman has dramatically expanded, reaching shorelines and covering an estimated 150 square kilometers, according to Greenpeace Germany and satellite images reviewed by The Associated Press. The spill is affecting Qibliyah Island, part of a marine protected area.
The 274-meter Suezmax tanker, Caroline Bezengi, has been grounded since June and is carrying over 800,000 barrels of crude oil. It is sanctioned by the U.K. for carrying oil that originates from Russia, and also by the EU, Canada, and Switzerland.
Satellite images from July 28 showed an oil sheen covering about 20 square kilometers, but images from August 4 indicated a significant increase. Experts warn that the windy monsoon season could take a toll on the ship's hull, potentially leading to a larger spill.
Greenpeace has called the situation an impending environmental catastrophe, highlighting the risks posed by Russia's "ghost fleet" of aging tankers used to evade sanctions.