Environmental disaster looms as tanker laden with Russian crude oil leaks off Oman

Oman faces a looming environmental disaster as an allegedly Russian tanker leaks oil into the sea near a nature reserve, according to NGOs. The ship, which has been stranded for over a month, was rocked by explosions, though the cause remains unclear. Russia has a fleet of old, unaccounted-for ships to circumvent Western sanctions following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. These vessels are in poor condition, increasing the risk of oil spills.

Satellite imagery verified by AFP shows a spreading oil slick from a ship stranded near Al-Qibliyyah island in Oman’s southern coast. The oil slick has expanded from up to 20 square kilometers on July 24 to an estimated 600 square kilometers on August 4. Nina Noelle of Greenpeace warned of a "severe and long-lasting" environmental consequence.

Greenpeace and Dutch peace organization PAX estimate that the ship, likely the Caroline Bezengi, loaded one million barrels of crude oil at a Russian Black Sea terminal on May 11. The last signal from the ship was recorded a month later, with no further information on its current status.

The Caroline Bezengi's passage threatens Oman's Al-Hallaniyat Islands marine reserve, home to diverse marine life, including rare sea turtles. Timely intervention is crucial to prevent further damage. The International Maritime Organization stated it is offering assistance to Oman without providing further details on the incident. Oman has not responded to an AFP request for comment.

The International Maritime Organization offered assistance to Oman, but the country has not provided further details on the incident. The Caroline Bezengi's presence highlights the grave environmental risks associated with Russia's "ghost fleet," as warned by Greenpeace.