{
  "id": 17326962,
  "title": "UAE oil spill: How authorities are monitoring tanker GEM NO. 2 and tracking the slick?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/uae-oil-spill-how-authorities-are-monitoring-tanker-gem-no-2-and",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T01:50:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/uae/uae-oil-spill-how-authorities-are-monitoring-tanker-gem-no-2-and-tracking-the-slick-1.500730284"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Dubai: The United Arab Emirates is actively coordinating a maritime and environmental response to an oil spill that occurred in its territorial waters. Specialist teams are monitoring the tanker GEM NO. 2, tracking the oil slick, and conducting clean-up operations along affected coastlines. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) has released images detailing the monitoring process and the measures being taken to ensure maritime safety.\n\nField assessments conducted by the MoEI have not detected any new oil leaks from the tanker. Nonetheless, surveillance continues through sea and air, supplemented with satellite imagery to identify changes and monitor the situation. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has confirmed that the source of the spill has been halted, while containment, environmental assessment, and coastal clean-up operations remain in progress.\n\nUAE authorities utilize various methods to monitor the tanker GEM NO. 2 and manage the environmental impact of the spill. These methods include marine surveillance, aerial surveillance, and satellite imagery. Despite no new oil leaks being detected, monitoring remains crucial to promptly identify any new developments.\n\nEfforts to repair the tanker are ongoing, with specialized technical teams addressing structural integrity, restoring operating systems, and repairing damaged sections. This work aims to stabilize the vessel and reduce potential risks. The oil slick is primarily located off the coast of Umm Al Quwain, extending towards areas in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Sharjah. Satellite images reveal the oil concentration, which has shown a significant reduction in intensity since October 30.\n\nTo contain and clean up the oil spill, the UAE employs a combination of mechanical recovery methods and chemical dispersants, following international standards and technical guidelines. Mechanical recovery involves collecting and removing oil from the marine environment, while chemical dispersants are used to break down the oil. Coastal surveys and clean-up operations are carried out by field teams, working in coordination with federal and local authorities to minimize pollution spread and address its environmental effects. Over 35 beaches and coastal areas across Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah have been closed or restricted as precautionary measures to protect public safety and the marine environment during ongoing surveys and clean-up operations.",
  "summary": "Dubai: The UAE is continuing a coordinated maritime and environmental response following an oil spill in its territorial waters , with specialist teams monitoring the tanker GEM NO. 2, tracking the movement of the oil slick and carrying out clean-up operations along affected coastlines. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) has shared illustrative images explaining how authorities are…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "UAE contains oil spill from GEM NO.2 tanker, closes beaches as precaution",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/30/uae-contains-oil-spill-from-gem-no-2-tanker-closes-beaches-as",
        "published": "2026-10-30T16:13:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}