Oil spill from tanker off Oman reaches mainland beaches

Oil leaking from the tanker Caroline Bezengi has reached Oman's mainland coast, with authorities saying beaches at Ras Madrakah have been contaminated. The spill, which began after the vessel ran aground off Oman in June, is also threatening the southern coast of Masirah Island. Officials said the incident is now affecting a wide stretch of coastline and remains under active monitoring.

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Oman's Environment Authority said up to 40 kilometres of coastline have been affected by oil pollution, while oil is expected to reach parts of Masirah Island in the coming hours. The authority said specialised teams are continuing monitoring, follow-up and response operations to limit the spread of pollution and reduce its impact. The tanker has been leaking crude since a suspected explosion was reported by the crew on 8 June.

The spill is significant because it is affecting a marine-sensitive region that includes protected coastal and island habitats. Authorities earlier said the slick covered nearly 400 square kilometres, while environmental experts cited satellite images suggesting the polluted area may be larger. The widening contamination has raised concern about the impact on beaches, marine life and the broader coastal environment along Oman's central and southern shores.

The Caroline Bezengi has been described by western governments as part of Russia's shadow fleet, a term used for vessels believed to help move sanctioned oil. The ship has also been reported as being under sanctions from the European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada and Ukraine. It was built in 2001 and most recently sailed under the flag of Cameroon, according to the supplied material.

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The tanker was reportedly carrying nearly 1 million barrels of oil when the incident occurred. It has been disabled near Oman's Al Hallaniyat Islands since June 8, and the spill has since spread with the help of monsoon-season winds and currents. Environmental groups have warned that the situation could become a major disaster if the leak is not contained.

The affected area includes the Hallaniyat archipelago, where a marine reserve was established last year to protect sea turtles and other aquatic life. That makes the incident especially sensitive for conservation efforts already under way in the region. The spread to Ras Madrakah also shows that the pollution is no longer confined to waters near the stranded vessel.

Omani authorities have not said what caused the suspected explosion, and no party has claimed responsibility for the incident. It is also not clear how much oil remains on board or how quickly the leak can be brought under control. The main developments to watch are whether the spill reaches more of Masirah Island and whether response teams can prevent further contamination of the mainland coast.

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