Russian shadow fleet tanker leaks off Omani coast
teisipäev, 11. august 2026 18:24
A Cameroon-flagged tanker in Russia’s shadow fleet has been leaking oil into a marine protected area off Oman since late July, The Kyiv Independent reported.
The state-run Oman News Agency reported on Aug. 10 that Omani authorities had launched a "comprehensive response" to secure the Caroline Bezengi and mitigate risks to the marine ecosystem and maritime navigation. Oman’s environmental agency said the oil slick had reached 390 square kilometers, or 150 square miles, stretching from the Hallaniyat Islands toward the mainland coast, according to Omani state media.
Greenpeace estimated that the tanker was carrying 800,000 barrels of oil and said the spill had been leaking into the protected area for weeks. The group said the affected area grew from 45 square kilometers on July 26 to 600 square kilometers as of Aug. 4. "This is a drastic increase, indicating a deterioration of the vessel's condition," said Nina Noelle, an environmental disaster expert from Greenpeace Germany.
Greenpeace campaigner Hanen Keskes warned that the area supports vulnerable wildlife. "Sea turtles rely on the island's beaches for nesting and egg-laying, while many seabird species depend on the islands as critical breeding sites. The surrounding waters are also home to the rare Arabian Sea humpback whale," Keskes said.
AFP reported that the tanker had been stranded near Al-Qibliyyah Island for over a month and that explosions occurred on June 6. Marine Traffic last showed the Caroline Bezengi in the area on June 11, and The Kyiv Independent said no party had claimed responsibility for the incident. Abdullah bin Ali Al-Omari, head of Oman’s environmental agency, told Oman TV News on Aug. 9 that the "National Oil Spill Contingency Plan" had been activated, with measures including "plugging the holes, attempting to rebalance the ship, and conducting dive operations to ensure the integrity of the tanks in the depths."
The Caroline Bezengi has been sanctioned by Ukraine, the EU, the U.K., Canada and Switzerland.
* Välisuudiste tõlkimisel võib olla kasutatud tehisintellekti abi.
Toeta nwsTraili
nwsTrail on sõltumatu välisuudiste veebileht. Sinu toetus aitab hoida sisu tasuta.
