Environmental disaster looms as Russian shadow ship leaks 800,000 barrels of oil into Arabian Sea
Omani authorities said they have launched a "comprehensive response" to secure the Caroline Bezengi vessel and mitigate the impact on the marine ecosystem and maritime navigation.
A Russian tanker belonging to the shadow fleet has been leaking oil into a protected area off Oman's coast since late July, according to Omani authorities. The leak has raised concerns about a potential environmental disaster. The ship, the Caroline Bezengi, is part of a fleet sanctioned by Ukraine, the EU, the UK, Canada, and Switzerland for aiding Russia in evading Western sanctions.
It was reportedly stranded near Al-Qibliyyah Island for over a month before the leak began. The ship is estimated to be carrying 800,000 barrels of oil, with the spill expanding from 45 square kilometers to up to 600 square kilometers in recent weeks. The affected area includes critical nesting sites for sea turtles and breeding grounds for seabirds, as well as habitats for the rare Arabian Sea humpback whale.
Oman's environmental agency has activated its National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, including efforts to plug leaks and conduct dive operations. European nations have intensified inspections of the shadow fleet due to environmental concerns.
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