Key facts
- An oil spill from the tanker Gem No.2 is spreading along the UAE coast.
- The spill is affecting beaches near Umm Al Quwain.
- The slick had spread over 35km from the tanker by Wednesday.
- The incident is near a globally recognised Key Biodiversity Area.
An oil spill from a tanker attacked near the Strait of Hormuz is spreading along the United Arab Emirates (UAE) coastline, forcing the closure of some beaches and coastal areas. Satellite images from Monday show the beginnings of the oil spill from a ship matching the location and dimensions of Gem No.2, which was damaged between October 9 and 10. The slick had spread more than 35km from the tanker by Wednesday, with UAE authorities confirming on Thursday that the incident is affecting beaches near the northern city of Umm Al Quwain. Verified video from Friday shows the oil washing ashore.