Oman says an oil slick from the sanctioned tanker Caroline Bezengi now covers around 390 square kilometres off its coast, the country's first public disclosure on the spill's environmental impact. The vessel, carrying Russian crude, sustained damage of unclear cause after its crew reported difficulties in June; maritime security sources say initial assessments pointed to a blast onboard. The leak was still spreading near the Hallaniyat Islands as of last month.
An oil slick from the sanctioned tanker Caroline Bezengi has spread across an area of around 390 square kilometres (150 square miles) off the coast of Oman, the country's government said on Monday. The disclosure marks Oman's first public detail on the spill's environmental impact. Oman is working to tackle the leak in its waters near the Hallaniyat Islands, off the southern governorate of Dhofar.
Slick nears the Omani coastline
A statement from Oman's Environment Authority, carried by the state news agency, said the slick covers approximately 390 square kilometres based on its latest analysis, which included satellite imagery. The slick extends northeast of the islands toward the mainland and, at its nearest point, comes within an estimated seven kilometres of the shore. Oman did not offer an explanation for the damage to the vessel.
Crew reported a blast in June
The Caroline Bezengi's crew first reported difficulties on June 8 off the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, according to two maritime security sources, who said initial assessments indicated a blast occurred onboard. The 274-metre (900-foot) tanker last transmitted a signal on public AIS tracking on June 11 off the coast of Yemen. A Reuters analysis of satellite imagery and shipping specialists found the spill was still spreading at the end of last month, raising concern about possible environmental damage.
Vessel tied to Russia's shadow fleet
Shipping data showed the tanker was loaded with Russian crude oil before the voyage. The European Union and Britain have sanctioned the Caroline Bezengi over what they said was its involvement in carrying fuels from Russia. Russia uses ageing, often poorly maintained tankers, in what is referred to as its shadow fleet, to circumvent Western sanctions on its oil exports.
Source: Investing.com
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