DUBAI: An expanding oil spill from a stranded tanker believed to be carrying Russian crude has raised fears of a major environmental disaster off the coast of Oman, with conservation groups warning that the leak is threatening one of the region’s most sensitive marine ecosystems.
The vessel, identified as the Caroline Bezengi, has reportedly been stranded near Al-Qibliyyah Island in southern Oman for more than a month after suffering multiple onboard explosions that disabled its propulsion and steering systems. While the exact cause of the blasts remains under investigation, environmental experts say the continuing oil leak poses a growing risk to marine biodiversity and coastal communities.
Satellite imagery reviewed by environmental organizations indicates that the visible oil sheen has expanded dramatically in recent weeks, covering an estimated 600 square kilometers by early August. The spill had measured roughly 20 square kilometers in late July, highlighting the rapid deterioration of the situation.
Greenpeace warned that the vessel remains in a vulnerable position, increasing the likelihood of a larger spill if it breaks apart before recovery efforts are completed.
Marine Reserve at Risk
The affected waters surround the Al-Hallaniyat Islands, a protected marine reserve established by Oman to safeguard one of the country’s richest biodiversity hotspots. The islands provide habitat for endangered sea turtles, migratory seabirds, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and the critically endangered Arabian Sea humpback whale.
Environmental specialists say oil contamination could have long-term ecological consequences, with pollutants potentially remaining trapped in marine sediments for years.
Experts also warned that local fishing communities could suffer significant economic losses if the spill continues to spread, while sensitive breeding grounds for marine wildlife face increasing exposure to contamination.
Explosions Disabled the Vessel
According to maritime security reports, the tanker experienced three explosions on June 6, causing flooding in key operational compartments, including the steering gear and pump room. The incidents left the vessel without propulsion or steering capability, although all crew members were reported safe.
The tanker’s last tracking signal was transmitted in mid-June before its Automatic Identification System (AIS) was switched off. Satellite imagery later indicated that a vessel matching its dimensions became stranded near Al-Qibliyyah Island between June 18 and June 23.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the explosions resulted from an accident or any external action.
Linked to Russia’s Shadow Fleet
The Caroline Bezengi has been associated with Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”—a network of aging tankers operating with opaque ownership structures that has been used to transport Russian oil following Western sanctions imposed after Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The United Kingdom sanctioned the vessel earlier this year over its alleged role in transporting Russian crude.
Shipping analysts believe the tanker loaded approximately one million barrels of crude oil from Russia’s Sheskharis export terminal in May and was still carrying the cargo when communications with the vessel ceased.
Environmental organizations argue that the incident underscores the growing risks posed by older, poorly maintained tankers used to bypass international sanctions.
International Assistance Underway
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has confirmed it is providing technical assistance to Omani authorities in response to the incident, although detailed information about ongoing salvage operations has not been released.
Environmental groups continue to urge immediate intervention, warning that any structural failure of the vessel could significantly worsen the spill and inflict lasting damage on one of the Arabian Sea’s most valuable marine ecosystems.
