Oman trying to contain extensive oil spill from stricken tanker

What the report says

Oman is trying to contain a large oil spill off its southern coast after a tanker stranded for more than a month leaked crude near the Hallaniyat Islands in Dhofar governorate. According to the Oman Environment Authority, the affected area was estimated at almost 400 square kilometres and had reached within about 7 kilometres of shore. Satellite imagery and ship-tracking data cited by Al Jazeera show the damaged vessel, Caroline Bezengi, and a visible slick in the surrounding waters.

The tanker was reported to have loaded at Russia’s Novorossiysk port in April and passed through the Suez Canal in May before becoming stranded near Oman in early June after an explosion and flooding in parts of the ship. Omani authorities said they were using aerial surveillance and divers, and were beginning plans to transfer the vessel’s oil cargo to reduce risks to navigation and the marine environment. The cause of the spill has not yet been identified.

The incident is drawing concern because the spill is spreading near a protected marine area that includes coral reefs, turtle nesting sites and other sensitive habitats. Greenpeace and the Dutch group PAX warned of severe environmental damage, while Omani officials said rapid action was needed to protect biodiversity.

The Caroline Bezengi is believed to be part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, a term used for older tankers linked to efforts to work around Western sanctions on Russian oil. It is also reported to be under sanctions from the EU, UK, Canada, Switzerland and Ukraine.