Oman says grounded tanker oil spill covers 400 square km

A massive oil spill has affected an area of approximately 400 square kilometers off a nature reserve in Oman, according to the country's government. The spill originates from the tanker Caroline Bezengi, which is carrying nearly one million barrels of Russian oil destined for Asia. The vessel ran into trouble off Yemen on June 8, with initial reports suggesting a potential blast onboard. However, no party has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Oman's environment authority confirmed the extent of the oil slick, stating it covers 390 square kilometers near the Hallaniyat Islands. This area, home to wildlife like Arabian Sea humpback whales and Socotra cormorants, is protected as a nature reserve. The slick extends northeast of the islands and is within seven kilometers of the coastline. Environmental group Greenpeace estimated the spill at around 600 square kilometers based on satellite imagery analysis.

Experts warn that the scale of the spill necessitates the use of dispersants, booms, and other equipment to prevent the oil from reaching the shore or sinking to the sea floor. Professor Tony Gutierrez from Edinburgh's Heriot-Watt University noted that if the oil remains offshore, its environmental impact would be significantly less than if it reaches the shoreline or sea floor. He cited the Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska as an example, where remnants of oil were found ten years later.

Reuters' analysis of satellite imagery and shipping data revealed that the oil spill continues to spread, raising concerns about potential environmental damage. John Amos, CEO of SkyTruth, expressed concern over the lack of visible vessel activity at the site, suggesting that no response has been made to stabilize the Caroline Bezengi and remove the remaining oil cargo.

The ship was built in 2001 and is part of Russia's "shadow fleet" of older oil tankers, lacking Western insurance and flying various flags to conceal its true ownership.