**Oman Struggles to Contain Oil Spill from Damaged Tanker**
Oman is currently facing a significant environmental challenge as it works to contain an extensive oil spill off its southern coast, which has spread over nearly 400 square kilometers (approximately 150 square miles). The spill originated from the tanker Caroline Bezengi, which has been stranded for over a month in a protected marine area near the Hallaniyat Islands, located in the Dhofar governorate.
The Oman Environment Authority reported on August 10, 2026, that the oil slick is situated within approximately 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) of the coastline. This alarming situation has prompted urgent measures to mitigate the environmental impact, particularly as the area is known for its rich biodiversity, including coral reefs and nesting sites for rare sea turtles.
The Caroline Bezengi, which was loaded with crude oil at Russia's Black Sea port of Novorossiysk in April, passed through the Suez Canal at the end of May. Ship-tracking data indicates that the vessel has been stranded since early June after suffering an explosion that compromised its integrity, allowing water to enter multiple sections of the ship.
Environmental organization Greenpeace has provided an even larger estimate of the spill, suggesting it covers around 600 square kilometers (230 square miles), based on satellite imagery analysis. The organization, along with Dutch peace group PAX, has warned that the situation is nearing an "environmental disaster," especially considering the tanker is believed to be carrying approximately one million barrels of crude oil destined for Asian markets.
Omani authorities are currently in the process of developing a comprehensive plan to transfer the oil cargo from the Caroline Bezengi in an effort to minimize risks associated with the spill. This plan aims to ensure navigational safety and protect the marine environment. The Transport Ministry has reported that aerial surveillance is being conducted, and divers have been deployed to assess the situation.
The spill poses a serious threat to the newly established marine reserve in the Hallaniyat archipelago, which was created by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said just last year. The reserve was intended to safeguard the sensitive ecosystems in the area, and the current spill jeopardizes these efforts.
As of now, the cause of the spill has not been officially determined by Omani authorities. However, the Caroline Bezengi is reportedly part of Russia's "shadow fleet," a collection of vessels that operate under various flags to evade Western sanctions on Russian oil exports. This fleet has faced scrutiny regarding the maintenance and safety standards of its aging ships.
The Caroline Bezengi is subject to sanctions from multiple entities, including the European Union, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Switzerland. The geopolitical tensions in the region have heightened since the onset of the US-Israel conflict with Iran in late February, leading to increased targeting of tankers in the Gulf.
As Oman continues its efforts to contain the spill and protect its marine ecosystems, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments and responses being developed to address the environmental crisis.