Oil spill off UAE widens, prompting more beach closures
Images from the European Union's Copernicus satellite observation network dated October 24 show the oil spill has widened over the last few days and is reaching close to the shores of the northern Umm Al Quwain emirate, with dark layers of oil spreading at sea and along its coastline.
The United Arab Emirates initiated an extensive clean-up operation across its seas and temporarily shut down multiple beaches after residents across various emirates reported unusual odors for several days. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) identified the source of the smell as an oil spill from an unidentified tanker.
On Friday, October 23, the ministry confirmed this on social media, though the specifics of the leak remain unclear. Beaches were closed in Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah due to the potential risks posed by the maritime pollution. The UAE's technical monitoring system detected the marine pollution, which reached Umm Al Quwain's shores, causing the odor complaints in Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain.
Authorities assured the public that the odors posed no health risks. Beaches in Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah remain closed, with no reopening dates announced. Cleaning efforts are underway, with specialized teams working to contain the oil, secure affected areas, and initiate remediation.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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