Oman responds to oil spill from sanctioned tanker near Hallaniyat Islands

Oman is responding to an oil spill from the sanctioned Russian tanker Caroline Bezengi, which ran aground near the Hallaniyat Islands off the southern governorate of Dhofar. The tanker, carrying approximately one million barrels of Russian crude oil, had previously suffered three explosions in June off the coast of Yemen, disabling its engines and causing it to drift aground.

Satellite images reviewed by The Associated Press show an oil sheen covering roughly 20 square kilometers around Dhofar's Qibliyah Island, part of Oman's protected Hallaniyat Islands. Dark patches of crude have also reached the shoreline. Experts warn that the leak has worsened in recent days, fueling fears that rough weather during the region's monsoon season could cause the vessel to break apart and sink, leading to a catastrophic spill.

Greenpeace and PAX have issued strong warnings about the risk of a major regional environmental disaster, noting the oil spill's rapid and dangerous expansion. The leak site is located within the Hallaniyat Islands Nature Reserve, a protected area, which is home to unique ecosystems, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, endangered sea turtles, migratory seabirds, and rare humpback whale fisheries. The pollution also threatens the livelihoods of local fishing communities.

Omani authorities initially stated that preliminary inspections confirmed no oil contamination in the waters surrounding the vessel, easing concerns over possible environmental damage. However, subsequent reports and satellite imagery indicate a growing spill, prompting ongoing monitoring and response efforts to contain the crisis and protect the marine ecosystem.