Gulf oil spill off Oman threatens to become one of worst in decades
A massive oil spill from a grounded tanker off Oman has grown rapidly, threatening a major environmental disaster as salvage efforts are delayed.
A major oil spill in the Gulf, caused by a grounded tanker carrying Russian crude, is expanding at an alarming rate and is on track to become one of the worst environmental disasters in recent decades, according to international agencies and satellite analysis.
The slick, located off the coast of Oman, has reportedly reached the mainland. Satellite imagery reviewed by specialists indicates the affected area now exceeds 2,000 square kilometres, a dramatic increase from the roughly 45 square kilometres recorded at the end of July. Environmental groups have noted the spill's exponential growth, with the area quadrupling in size within days in early August.
The vessel, the Caroline Bezengi, ran aground on June 30 near an Omani island within a marine nature reserve. The 25-year-old tanker was carrying an estimated 800,000 barrels of Russian oil and was operating under international sanctions. The ship had sailed from a Russian port in April, transited the Suez Canal, and passed near Yemen, navigating through regions affected by two separate conflicts.
The complex web of war-related sanctions and shipping rules is complicating the response. The IOPC Funds, an intergovernmental body that handles tanker spill compensation, has stated it will not cover clean-up costs because the incident is being treated as an "act of war" rather than an accident. The tanker is also not insured by any recognised Western provider.
The United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO) confirmed that oil is reaching the Omani mainland and stated that contingency planning is in place. However, seasonal monsoon conditions have limited access to the vessel and delayed salvage operations. The grounded tanker sits within a protected area that is home to endangered turtles, humpback whales, and coral reefs.
Oil spill specialists warn that without a robust response, the vessel could break apart under the force of wind and waves, potentially releasing its entire cargo. Such a spill could rival the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster in size. Experts say the priority is to stabilise the ship and transfer the remaining oil to another tanker, but warn that the longer the delay, the more dangerous and complex the salvage operation becomes.