An oil tanker under sanctions is leaking crude off the coast of Oman, raising environmental concerns. The Caroline Bezengi, which loaded Russian oil at Novorossiysk, reported issues on June 8 near Mukalla, Yemen, with initial assessments suggesting an onboard explosion. Satellite imagery from July 28 revealed dark slicks near the vessel, indicating a breach in one of its hulls.
Wim Zwijnenburg, a remote-sensing expert, noted that the region’s monsoon season could exacerbate the spill’s spread. Verification of the satellite images confirmed the vessel’s identity, which is sanctioned by the EU and UK for transporting Russian fuels. The ship’s owner, Shanghai-based Rentoor Shipmanagement, has not commented.
Experts suggest the Caroline Bezengi may be listing, with warnings that it could potentially break apart. The U.N.’s International Maritime Organization is monitoring the situation and discussing safety measures. The cause of the vessel’s damage remains unclear, with speculation about whether it was due to a Ukrainian attack or regional conflict. Russia relies on aging tankers to evade Western oil sanctions, further complicating the situation.
