Oman 'facing environmental disaster' as tanker leaks off its coast

Oman confronts potential environmental catastrophe following an alleged Russian tanker incident, leaking oil across hundreds of square kilometers near a wildlife sanctuary, according to environmental groups. The vessel reportedly experienced explosions, although the origin of these blasts remains uncertain. Russia has amassed a fleet of old ships with dubious ownership to circumvent Western sanctions since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, as experts have pointed out.

Satellite imagery, confirmed by AFP, revealed what appeared to be an oil slick emanating from a stranded ship near al-Qibliyyah island, situated off Oman's southern coast for over a month. This location is distant from the Strait of Hormuz, which has witnessed regular tanker attacks in the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict. "The ongoing leakage of oil and the vessel's precarious position pose a serious threat of an even more significant environmental disaster," warned Nina Noelle of Greenpeace, expressing concern over the potential for a "severe and long-lasting" impact.

Greenpeace reported that the oil sheen had grown from approximately 20 square kilometers on July 24 to an estimated 600 square kilometers as of August 4, based on satellite imagery reviewed by the organization.