Oil from Russian shadow-fleet tanker Caroline Bezengi reaches Oman coast
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Oil from the damaged Russian shadow-fleet tanker Caroline Bezengi reaches the Omani coast, the International Maritime Organization says. Oman's government estimates the slick at 400 square kilometres; Greenpeace puts it at 600 square kilometres by 6 August. Seasonal monsoon winds limit access to the vessel and delay salvage operations.
Spill Extent and Response
The IMO says the slick is drifting northeast of Oman's Jazirat al-Qibliya island, with part already reaching the mainland. Omani authorities estimate coverage at 400 square kilometres; Greenpeace contends it reached 600 square kilometres by 6 August. The Caroline Bezengi, sailing under the Cameroon flag, loaded crude in Novorossiysk and reported damage in the Gulf of Oman before running aground near Oman. Seasonal monsoon conditions are restricting access to the vessel and slowing salvage work.
Vessel and Sanctions Record
The tanker is part of a group linked to Cyprus-based Lagosmarine Ltd, which is under U.S. and Ukrainian sanctions, according to The Insider. It has regularly carried Russian oil from Primorsk, Ust-Luga and Kozmino to India and China. The Caroline Bezengi itself is sanctioned by the EU, Switzerland, Ukraine, the UK and Canada. Oman has demanded the owner remove the tanker, which holds about 110 tonnes of crude oil.
Protected Marine Reserve and Rupture Risk
The vessel sits near the Hallaniyat archipelago, a protected marine reserve with rare coral reefs, nesting sites for sea turtles, humpback whales and Persian cormorants. Environmentalists warn the spill will harm the Gulf of Oman ecosystem. John Amos, CEO of SkyTruth, said satellite monitoring showed no signs of other vessels approaching to stabilise the Caroline Bezengi or offload its remaining cargo. Reuters reported the tanker's oil reservoir could split at any moment, releasing the remaining oil into the sea.
What's Next
Oman has ordered the owner to remove the Caroline Bezengi, but no salvage date has been set while the monsoon blocks access to the site. It remains unclear whether the tanker's reservoir will hold long enough to prevent the remaining 110 tonnes of crude from spilling into the Gulf of Oman.
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Oil from Russian shadow-fleet tanker Caroline Bezengi reaches Oman coast
