Oil from a tanker that suffered an accident off Oman’s coast has reached the country’s mainland and coastal areas, according to the Environment Authority. Oil contamination has been detected not only in waters near Qabilah Island, where the vessel is located, but also along Ras Madrakah, around 200 kilometres north of the island.
The crude oil is believed to have leaked from the Caroline Besenge, a sanctioned tanker reportedly linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”. The vessel partially sank after an explosion was reported in June, although the cause of the incident remains unknown and no group has claimed responsibility. The tanker was reportedly carrying around one million barrels of oil.
Satellite imagery indicates that strong winds and seasonal monsoon currents have spread the oil over more than 600 square kilometres. Authorities have warned that contamination could reach the southern coastline of Masirah Island, more than 300 kilometres to the north, in the coming hours. The spill also poses a threat to marine ecosystems and protected areas around Qabilah Island.
