Environmental authorities in Oman confirmed on Wednesday that an oil spill originating from a grounded tanker has reached the country’s mainland coastline. The contamination, which has been spreading from a vessel stranded off the shores of Qabiliyah Island, has now impacted the beaches of Ras Madrakah, located approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) north of the initial spill site.
The leaking vessel, identified as the 247-meter (899-foot) Caroline Bezengi, was carrying nearly 1 million barrels of crude oil when it reported an explosion in June. While the cause of the explosion remains undisclosed and no party has claimed responsibility for the incident, the tanker is widely believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet.” The vessel, which had departed from the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk in May according to data from SynMax Maritime, is currently subject to sanctions imposed by the European Union and the British government for its role in transporting Russian oil. Ownership of the ship is reportedly linked to interests based in Shanghai.
Environmental experts have expressed significant alarm as the spill expands rapidly, fueled by the strong winds and currents typical of the monsoon season. Satellite imagery indicates that the slick now covers an area exceeding 600 square kilometers (231 square miles). The spill has already endangered a marine protected area near Qabiliyah Island, and authorities have issued warnings that the southern coasts of Masirah Island—situated more than 300 kilometers (185 miles) north of the tanker—could also face contamination in the coming hours.
Oman, a sultanate located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, has been actively monitoring the ecological impact of the leak. The country has also served as a mediator in the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran, which has been active since February 28.
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Md. Kazi Bijoy is a dedicated tech enthusiast and content creator with a passion for digital innovation. With years of experience in the tech industry, he specializes in breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand guides. When he isn’t writing, he explores the latest gadgets and researches emerging trends in the digital world.