Oil spill from tanker Caroline Bezengi reaches Oman coastline

An oil spill originating from the tanker Caroline Bezengi, which has been grounded in the Gulf of Oman for several weeks, reached the Omani coastline on Wednesday. Authorities report that the spill has contaminated a 12-kilometer stretch of the shoreline near Ras Madrakah, though the nearby Masirah Island remains unaffected.

According to the Omani government, the oil slick covers an area of 400 square kilometers, posing a threat to protected natural areas near the grounding site. The national Environment Agency is currently engaged in ongoing cleanup operations. While initial concerns focused on the containment of the pollution near sensitive coastal habitats, officials announced that the slick is currently moving toward the open sea, which may assist in mitigation efforts. The situation continues to be monitored as emergency response teams work to address the environmental damage.