British salvage team tackles oil spill from grounded tanker off Oman

A British maritime response company has begun salvage operations on a grounded oil tanker off the coast of Oman, aiming to contain a spill that has now reached the country's shoreline. The vessel, the Caroline Bezengi, ran aground near Qabiliyah Island in early June following an explosion of unknown origin. Satellite imagery shows the oil slick has spread over hundreds of square kilometres during stormy weather linked to the region's Khareef monsoon, which peaks in July and August.

Ambrey, the UK-based firm hired for the operation, said its personnel boarded the tanker with assistance from the Omani air force to assess its condition before stabilising it. The ship is increasingly submerged, and experts have warned of an unprecedented environmental disaster if it sinks or breaks open, releasing its entire cargo of more than 800,000 barrels of oil.

Ed Wollaston, Ambrey's global response director, described the situation as "extremely challenging" due to adverse weather. The company has not yet provided estimates for the duration or cost of the salvage. Oman's Environment Authority reported on Wednesday that oil has reached the shores of Ras Madrakah, over 200 kilometres north of Qabiliyah Island, and could extend another 100 kilometres to Masirah Island.

Environmental groups have expressed deep concern. Hanen Keskes of Greenpeace noted that oil reaching the shoreline complicates cleanup efforts and can contaminate coastal sediments, with impacts lasting for years. The marine protected area around Qabiliyah Island is home to coral reefs, seagrass meadows, endangered turtles, migratory birds, and the rare Arabian Sea humpback whale. The remote location lacks infrastructure, adding to the difficulty of the operation.

The Caroline Bezengi, a 247-metre vessel, is believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet and has been sanctioned by the UK and EU for carrying Russian oil. It left the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk in May, according to tracking data. The ship is unflagged, and its insurance status is unclear.

Separately, Iranian authorities are dealing with an oil spill off Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, which some tracking firms suggest may have resulted from an Iranian attack on a bulk carrier. The spill has damaged beaches, and Iran has called for compensation.