A sanctioned tanker carrying crude oil has been leaking oil in protected waters off the coast of Oman, with satellite images showing the spill expanding to cover roughly 20 square kilometers around Dhofar’s Qibliyah Island, part of the protected Hallaniyat Islands. Environmental experts warn the situation is worsening, raising concerns that rough seas during the monsoon season could cause the vessel to break apart, triggering a larger environmental disaster.
The 899-foot, Cameroon-flagged Caroline Bezengi has been stranded since June 8, when its crew reported an onboard explosion near the Yemeni port of Mukalla. The vessel was carrying Russian crude oil loaded at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk before its latest voyage. Satellite imagery reviewed by The Associated Press shows the oil sheen growing in recent days, with dark patches of crude now reaching the shoreline.
Environmental Impact and Risks
Wim Zwijnenburg, an environmental expert with the Dutch peace organization PAX, told the AP that the leak has intensified in the past few days. "The last few days, the imagery indicates an increase in oil coming out, as the size of the sheen is growing," he said. The primary concern is that strong winds and rough seas during the monsoon season could further damage the vessel’s hull, leading to a catastrophic spill.
The spill has already affected protected waters, raising alarms about ecological damage to marine life and coastal ecosystems. Authorities have not yet confirmed the full extent of the environmental impact, but the proximity of the leak to protected islands suggests potential long-term harm.
Sanctions and Ownership Details
The Caroline Bezengi has been sanctioned by the United Kingdom, the European Union, Canada, and Switzerland for allegedly transporting Russian oil as part of Moscow’s so-called "shadow fleet"—a network of aging tankers used to bypass Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ship-tracking data reviewed by Reuters confirmed the vessel’s involvement in transporting Russian crude.
The vessel’s Cameroon flag and its history of operations have drawn scrutiny, particularly given its role in transporting sanctioned oil. The explosion that stranded the ship remains under investigation, with no confirmed cause as of the latest reports.
Ongoing Monitoring and Response
Maritime and environmental agencies are monitoring the situation closely, with satellite imagery providing real-time updates on the spill’s spread. The Oman government has not yet issued a formal response regarding containment efforts or potential cleanup operations. Experts emphasize the need for urgent action to prevent further environmental damage as the monsoon season approaches.
The Caroline Bezengi remains stranded off Oman’s southern coast, with the risk of a larger spill looming as weather conditions deteriorate.