Key facts
- A sanctioned tanker, the Caroline Bezengi, is likely leaking oil off the coast of Oman.
- Satellite imagery from July 2-13 revealed a slick in a protected marine area.
- Experts have analyzed the imagery and indicated it appears to show an oil spill.
- The vessel was involved in transporting fuel from Russia, leading to sanctions from the EU and Britain.
- The cause of the leak is undetermined, with potential factors including malfunction or external damage.
A vessel sanctioned for its role in transporting Russian fuel, the Caroline Bezengi, is believed to be leaking oil in a protected marine area off the coast of Oman. Analysis of satellite imagery captured between July 2 and July 13 shows a slick appearing as silver and grey waters southwest of al-Qibliyyah island. Three independent specialists have reviewed the imagery and concluded it likely depicts an oil spill.
The tanker reportedly took on Russian oil in Novorossiysk before its latest voyage and last transmitted a public AIS signal on June 11 off the coast of Yemen. The vessel's owner, Shanghai-based Rentoor Shipmanagement, could not be reached for comment, nor could Omani authorities. The European Union and Britain have sanctioned the tanker for its involvement in carrying fuels from Russia.
It remains unclear if the leak resulted from a malfunction, damage from a potential Ukrainian attack on Russian-linked tankers, or from broader conflict in the Gulf region. Maritime security sources indicated the tanker first reported difficulties on June 8 off the coast of Yemen, though the cause was not specified.