Oil leak spreads from a sanctioned tanker grounded off Oman, images show
Summary
A tanker named Caroline Bezengi, which is under international sanctions, has been leaking crude oil off the coast of Oman near a protected marine area. Satellite images show the leak spreading over a large area, raising concerns about environmental damage and the possibility of a bigger oil spill if the ship breaks apart during the monsoon season.Key Facts
- The Caroline Bezengi tanker is about 274 meters (899 feet) long and flagged by Cameroon.
- It has been grounded off Qibliyah Island, near Oman’s Dhofar coast, since June after an explosion onboard.
- This tanker is sanctioned by the U.K., European Union, Canada, and Switzerland for carrying Russian oil linked to destabilizing Ukraine.
- Satellite images from late July show oil covering roughly 20 square kilometers (8 square miles) around the tanker.
- The oil leak has spread onto the shores of Qibliyah Island and nearby marine protected areas in the Arabian Sea.
- Rough seas and strong monsoon winds from May to September increase the risk of the ship breaking and worsening the spill.
- The tanker is estimated to be carrying over 800,000 barrels of crude oil.
- Environmental groups warn that the leak is damaging sensitive ecosystems and could lead to a larger oil disaster.
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