MUSCAT — An oil spill from the grounded tanker Caroline Bezengi has reached Oman’s mainland coastline, the country’s Environment Authority said, raising concerns about contamination of coastal waters and marine habitats.
The authority said oil from the tanker had reached beaches around Ras Madrakah, about 200 km (125 miles) north of Qabiliyah Island, where the vessel ran aground. It also warned that the southern coast of Masirah Island, more than 300 km from the tanker, could be affected as the slick spreads.
The Caroline Bezengi, a sanctioned tanker believed to be part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, has been leaking crude since it ran aground on June 30 near an Omani marine reserve. The vessel was carrying an estimated 800,000 barrels of Russian oil, according to Reuters. No party has claimed responsibility for an apparent explosion that damaged the vessel earlier in June, and the cause has not been established.
Satellite imagery reviewed by specialists has shown the spill expanding rapidly. Reuters reported on Wednesday that the slick covered more than 2,000 square km, while the Associated Press cited more than 600 square km in imagery reviewed more recently. The differing estimates reflect changes in the spill and differences in satellite analysis.
The affected waters include a marine nature reserve that supports species including Arabian Sea humpback whales and Socotra cormorants. Oman’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources Ministry said it was monitoring the effects on marine life and local fish products and advised fishermen to avoid the affected area.
Salvage and containment efforts are now under way. Ambrey, the risk management company coordinating the operation, said specialist vessels, aircraft and about 100 metric tons of equipment were being deployed, with an international oil-spill response company contracted to assist. Seasonal monsoon conditions have complicated access to the tanker and salvage work.
The International Maritime Organization said contingency planning was in place. The International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds has said it would not cover cleanup costs because the incident was being treated as an “act of war,” adding to the challenges surrounding the response.
Omani authorities continue to monitor the spill’s effects along the coastline and marine environment while salvage teams work to contain the leak.
