Oil Spill from Grounded Russian Tanker Hits Oman Beaches

The maritime risk firm Ambrey has launched salvage and containment operations for the Caroline Bezengi, a sanctioned shadow-fleet tanker carrying between 800,000 and 1 million barrels of Russian crude oil. The vessel ran aground on Al Qibliyah Island on June 30 after a suspected limpet mine blast off southern Yemen on June 8 caused it to lose propulsion.

Driven by Khareef monsoon winds and currents, the resulting oil spill now covers between 390 and 600 square kilometers. The slick has already contaminated the mainland beaches of Ras Madraka and threatens the southern coasts of Masirah Island and the Qabiliyah Island marine protected area. The spill endangers coral reefs and rare wildlife, including the Arabian Sea humpback whale.

Salvage efforts involving specialist vessels, aircraft, and 100 metric tons of equipment are currently hampered by adverse weather and the vessel's increasing submersion. The Royal Air Force of Oman assisted Ambrey personnel in boarding the ship, while the vessel's owner has not responded to requests for assistance.

Financial and legal complications surround the disaster. The International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds declined to cover response costs, characterizing the incident as an act of war. The tanker was previously sanctioned by the European Union and the United Kingdom for transporting oil from the port of Novorossiysk.