Oil spill off Oman reportedly reaches mainland: UN agency

An oil spill from a grounded tanker near Oman has reportedly reached the mainland, according to the United Nations maritime agency. The tanker, named CAROLINE BEZENGI, ran aground on June 30, 2026, after explosions rocked the vessel off the coast of Oman. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is monitoring the oil leakage, with some oil drifting northeast of Al-Qibliyyah Island and reportedly reaching the mainland.

The seasonal monsoon has hindered efforts to contain the spill. Beaches in the Ras Madrakah area have been affected by oil pollution, according to the Oman News Agency. Oman is working to contain the spill, which has impacted approximately 390 square kilometers, primarily around the Hallaniyat archipelago off the southern coast.

The cause of the spill remains unidentified, though British maritime security company Vanguard stated the tanker struck off Oman's coast in early June due to explosions. Advocacy groups Greenpeace and PAX warn that the spill could cause an environmental disaster, as the tanker carries around one million barrels of crude oil. The vessel is believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet, comprising aging ships with concerns over maintenance, insurance, and safety standards.

Recent tanker attacks in the Gulf region have been attributed to tensions following US-Iranian exchanges of fire.