- Oman is working to contain an oil spill off its southern coast after the Caroline Bezengi ran aground in June inside a protected marine area, affecting roughly 390 square kilometers according to the Oman Environment Authority.
- The Caroline Bezengi was loaded at Russia's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk in April and passed through the Suez Canal at the end of May before being rocked by explosions in early June off the coast of Yemen.
- The tanker ran aground near Al-Qibliyyah island inside a protected marine area, prompting rapid action to protect the area's biodiversity, including coral reefs and turtle nesting areas.
- Oman authorities are conducting aerial surveillance and have deployed divers, while developing a plan to transfer the vessel's oil cargo to mitigate risks and protect the marine environment.
- The Caroline Bezengi is believed to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet used to circumvent Western sanctions on its oil exports.
- Environmental groups, including Greenpeace and PAX, have warned that the spill is on the verge of causing an environmental disaster, with the tanker carrying around one million barrels of crude.
- The slick is concentrated around Oman’s Hallaniyat archipelago, where a marine reserve was established last year to protect sensitive ecosystems.
Oman is facing a significant environmental crisis as it works to contain an oil spill from the stricken tanker Caroline Bezengi, which has been stranded since early June. The spill has affected approximately 390 square kilometers near the Hallaniyat archipelago, a protected marine area established to safeguard vital ecosystems.1234911
The Oman Environment Authority reported that the slick is within 7 km of the coast, prompting urgent calls for action to protect biodiversity, including coral reefs and turtle nesting areas. Environmental groups, including Greenpeace and PAX, have warned that the spill could lead to an environmental disaster, as the tanker was carrying around one million barrels of crude oil.5610
The tanker, part of Russia's shadow fleet, was reportedly rocked by explosions that allowed water to enter its hull, leading to its grounding near Al-Qibliyyah island. Authorities are currently conducting aerial surveillance and deploying divers to assess the situation and develop a plan to transfer the vessel's oil cargo to mitigate risks.78
The spill's impact on the marine reserve, which is home to diverse marine life, including rare sea turtles, has raised alarms among environmentalists. The situation remains critical as Oman strives to balance navigational safety with environmental protection.
“The spill is concentrated around the Hallaniyat archipelago, where a marine reserve was established last year to protect rare sea turtles. Greenpeace and PAX warn of an 'environmental disaster,' noting the tanker carries around one million barrels of crude.”
Arab News
