Oman moves to contain oil spill after tanker ran aground

Oman is taking steps to contain an oil spill off its southern coast following a tanker running aground in a protected marine area in June. The Oman Environment Authority reported that the spill had affected roughly 390 square kilometres, specifically around the Hallaniyat archipelago, which houses a marine reserve established last year to protect diverse marine life, including rare sea turtles.

Authorities are conducting aerial surveillance and deploying divers to address the situation, with the UK maritime security company Ambrey joining the salvage operation. The tanker, believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet, was reportedly struck by explosions early in June while sailing near Yemen, causing water to enter several sections of the vessel.

Environmental advocacy groups have expressed concern, stating that the spill could result in an environmental disaster, given that the tanker was carrying around one million barrels of crude oil.