An oil slick spanning approximately 390 square kilometers (150 square miles) has been reported off the coast of Oman, following damage to the Caroline Bezengi, a vessel under sanctions carrying Russian crude. The crew first alerted authorities to issues on June 8 near Mukalla, Yemen, with initial assessments suggesting an onboard explosion.
Oman’s Environment Authority disclosed that efforts are underway to address the oil leak near the Hallaniyat Islands in the Dhofar governorate. Satellite imagery confirmed the slick extends northeast towards the mainland, coming within seven kilometers of the shore. Concerns about potential environmental damage have arisen, as analyses indicate the spill from the 274-meter (900-foot) Caroline Bezengi was still spreading at the end of last month.
The cause of the vessel’s damage remains unclear, and Oman has not provided further details. Shipping data indicates the tanker was loaded with Russian crude before its journey, last transmitting a signal on June 11 off Yemen’s coast. This vessel is part of Russia’s shadow fleet, which uses aging tankers to bypass Western sanctions on oil exports imposed by the EU and Britain.
