Authorities launch response near protected Hallaniyat Islands as leaking Russian crude threatens environmentally sensitive marine habitats
MUSCAT: Crude oil leaking from a grounded tanker off Oman has created a slick covering approximately 390 square kilometres near a protected nature reserve, authorities said Monday, raising concerns over potential damage to marine ecosystems.
The Caroline Bezengi, carrying nearly one million barrels of Russian crude destined for Asia, first encountered difficulties off Yemen on June 8. Maritime security sources said initial assessments indicated that an explosion may have occurred aboard the vessel. However, no group has claimed responsibility for any attack.
Oman disclosed the environmental impact publicly on Monday and said authorities were working to contain the spill near the Hallaniyat Islands.
Oil Slick Approaches Protected Coastline
Oman’s Environment Authority said the slick extends northeast of the islands and has moved within approximately seven kilometres of the coastline.
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik established a nature reserve around the Hallaniyat Islands last year. The environmentally sensitive region supports wildlife including Arabian Sea humpback whales and Socotra cormorants.
Meanwhile, satellite imagery analysed by Reuters and shipping specialists showed that oil from the stranded 274-metre tanker continued spreading late last month, increasing concerns about long-term environmental consequences.
Sanctioned Tanker Linked to Russian Shadow Fleet
The Caroline Bezengi loaded crude at Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk in April before passing through the Suez Canal in late May, according to ship-tracking information.
Built in 2001, the vessel has been associated with Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of ageing tankers used to transport oil while operating outside conventional Western insurance networks.
Shipping databases previously listed the vessel under Cameroon’s flag. However, Cameroon removed it and 38 other ships from its registry in June.
Furthermore, the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Switzerland and Ukraine have imposed sanctions on the tanker.
Omani authorities are continuing containment efforts as officials assess potential damage to the protected marine environment.
