A sanctioned tanker, the Caroline Bezengi, is leaking crude oil off the coast of Oman, with satellite imagery showing the spill spreading. The vessel, which previously reported difficulties after a potential blast, is subject to EU and UK sanctions.
The oil spill from a sanctioned tanker poses a significant environmental risk to coastal areas near Oman, including a protected marine zone, and highlights the dangers associated with Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to circumvent sanctions.
A sanctions-hit tanker, the Caroline Bezengi, is leaking crude oil off the coast of Oman, with satellite imagery indicating the spill has spread in recent days. The vessel, which took on Russian oil at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, first reported difficulties on June 8 off the Yemeni port of Mukalla, with initial assessments suggesting a blast onboard.
Satellite images from July 28 reveal a dark oil slick near the vessel and lighter patches north of al-Qibliyyah island, a protected marine area close to Oman's coast. Wim Zwijnenburg, a remote-sensing specialist with Pax, stated that the slicks indicate a breach in the ship's hull. He also noted that the monsoon season could exacerbate the spread of the oil.
The Caroline Bezengi is subject to European Union and UK sanctions for its alleged involvement in carrying Russian fuels. Its owner, Rentoor Shipmanagement, could not be reached for comment. An oil tanker specialist reviewing the imagery suggested the vessel might be listing, and other maritime sources warned of a potential breakup. The UN's International Maritime Organization confirmed the vessel has not broken up and that authorities are discussing safety and environmental risks.