Environmental Alarm as Oil Slick Spreads Across Protected Waters Off Oman

An oil spill from the grounded Caroline Bezengi tanker off the coast of Oman has expanded dramatically, raising fresh concerns over environmental damage to one of the region's most ecologically sensitive marine reserves.

Satellite images analysed by Greenpeace Germany indicate the spill now stretches across nearly 150 square kilometres, a sharp increase from an estimated 20 square kilometres just a week earlier. Experts say the rapid spread suggests a significant volume of crude oil continues to escape from the stranded vessel.

The 274-metre Suezmax tanker, sanctioned by the United Kingdom for transporting oil originating from Russia, has remained grounded since June. Reports at the time indicated the crew had experienced an onboard explosion, although those claims have not been independently verified.

According to Greenpeace, the latest satellite imagery shows an extensive oil sheen extending northeast from the vessel, while thicker patches of crude have reached the southern and western shores of Qibliyah Island in Dhofar, Oman's largest governorate.

Environmental expert Wim Zwijnenburg of Dutch organisation PAX said the oil sheen appears to span around 90 kilometres, almost double its length from a week ago. He noted that while thinner layers may evaporate depending on weather and crude type, the dense patches pose a far greater ecological threat.

The affected waters form part of the Arabian Sea reserve, a protected habitat supporting endangered seabirds, including petrels, and the rare Arabian Sea humpback whale. Conservationists warn prolonged contamination could have lasting consequences for marine biodiversity.

The tanker is also under sanctions imposed by the European Union, Canada and Switzerland. Geospatial tracking firm SynMax Maritime previously reported the vessel had departed Russia's Novorossiysk port before its latest voyage.

Omani authorities had directed the ship's owners to remove the vessel and its cargo by July 23, but it remains unclear whether the order has been complied with. Investigations into the growing spill and cleanup efforts are continuing.