Oman faces environmental disaster as tanker leaks oil

Key facts

• An oil tanker is leaking significant amounts of oil off the coast of Oman.
• The tanker is believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet, used to circumvent sanctions.
• The vessel was reportedly struck by explosions, though the cause is unclear.
• Satellite imagery confirms the presence and expansion of an oil slick near a nature reserve.
• Environmental groups warn of a severe and long-lasting ecological disaster.

Oman is facing an impending environmental disaster as a tanker, believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet, leaks oil across a vast area near a nature reserve. Maritime security firms reported the vessel was rocked by explosions, though the cause remains unclear. Russia has utilized a fleet of older ships with opaque ownership to bypass Western sanctions since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, increasing the risk of such incidents due to their poor condition.

Satellite imagery verified by AFP shows an oil slick spreading from the stranded ship, which has been located near al-Qibliyyah island off Oman's southern coast for over a month. This location is distant from the Strait of Hormuz, a region that has experienced frequent tanker attacks amid the Middle East conflict.

Environmental organizations, including Greenpeace, have expressed grave concern. Nina Noelle of Greenpeace stated that with oil continuing to leak and the vessel stranded in a difficult location, the risk of a larger environmental disaster remains serious, warning of severe and long-lasting consequences. Satellite imagery reviewed by Greenpeace indicates the oil sheen expanded from up to 20 square kilometers on July 24 to an estimated 600 square kilometers by August 4.