Oman Oil Spill From Grounded Tanker Spreads Across 390 Sq Km

Oman's government has disclosed that crude oil leaking from a tanker grounded near a protected island chain has formed a slick spanning nearly 400 square kilometres. The announcement on Monday marked the first official assessment of the environmental impact of the incident.

The vessel, identified as the Caroline Bezengi, is carrying close to one million barrels of Russian crude destined for Asian markets. It first reported mechanical trouble on June 8 off the coast of Yemen. Two maritime security sources have indicated that initial assessments point to a blast having occurred onboard, though no party has claimed responsibility for any attack.

The slick, measured at approximately 390 square kilometres, extends northeast of the Hallaniyat Islands and lies within an estimated seven kilometres of the coastline, according to the country's Environment Authority. The islands were designated a nature reserve by royal decree last year, providing protected habitat for species including Arabian Sea humpback whales and Socotra cormorants.

The 274-metre tanker, built in 2001, loaded its cargo at Russia's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk in April and transited the Suez Canal in late May. It is part of a fleet of older vessels used to transport Russian oil without Western insurance coverage, often sailing under various flags to conceal ownership. The ship was listed as flying the Cameroon flag but was among 39 vessels removed from that country's registry in June.

The Caroline Bezengi is subject to sanctions imposed by the European Union, Ukraine, the UK, Canada, and Switzerland. Its registered owner is Rentoor Shipmanagement Ltd, with Villar Shipmanagement Ltd serving as manager, according to shipping data. Satellite imagery analysis from late last month indicated the spill was still expanding, raising concerns about potential damage to the ecologically sensitive area.