Oil spill from sanctioned tanker threatens Oman's marine reserve

A large oil spill from the sanctioned tanker Caroline Bezengi is spreading off Oman's southern coast, endangering a protected marine reserve. Satellite images show the slick expanding dramatically, with estimates ranging from 150 to 600 square kilometers Source: Clarin, Infobae. The vessel, carrying up to a million barrels of Russian crude, has been grounded since June near the al-Hallaniyat islands, a biodiversity hotspot Source: Infobae.

The spill

Greenpeace Germany reports the slick grew from 20 to 150 square kilometers in a week, while other analyses suggest up to 600 square kilometers Source: Clarin, Infobae. Wim Zwijnenburg of PAX notes the oil appears to be leaking from a breached hull, with dark patches reaching the island's shores Source: Clarin. The tanker, sanctioned by the UK, EU, Canada, and Switzerland, is part of Russia's "shadow fleet" used to evade sanctions Source: Clarin.

Environmental threat

The spill threatens the Arabian Sea reserve, home to endangered species like the Arabian humpback whale and sea turtles Source: Infobae. Greenpeace warns of "grave and long-lasting" consequences for coral reefs, seagrass, and coastal habitats Source: Infobae. Zwijnenburg cautions that a complete hull rupture could cause a regional environmental catastrophe, affecting fishing communities and marine biodiversity Source: Infobae.

What's next

Experts urge immediate intervention to prevent a worse scenario. The monsoon season could rapidly spread the oil Source: Clarin. The tanker's crew reported an explosion in June, and the vessel has been stranded since Source: Clarin.