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Oil Spill From Damaged Tanker off Oman Reportedly Spreads Across Massive Area

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An oil slick from a damaged tanker off the coast of Oman has reportedly spread across an area of around 390 square kilometers, according to media outlets on Monday, citing the country's Environment Authority.

Crude oil tanker Caroline Bezengi, a vessel under sanctions due to involvement in transporting Russian fuels, suffered a blast onboard based on initial assessment, Reuters reported, citing two maritime security sources. The crew first reported the incident on June 8 off the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla.

The Omani government reportedly said on Monday that it seeks to manage the resulting oil leak near the Hallaniyat Islands in the Dhofar Governorate, which has extended northeast of the islands towards the mainland.

Government officials, nonetheless, have confirmed that drinking water desalination plants, fish farming projects, and coastal economic sites remain unaffected, as oil has not reached the shores due to rough monsoon conditions, Muscat Daily reported.

The Environment Authority and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology said on Friday that they were responding to the incident to mitigate any potential environmental impact. They did not provide further details on the cause of the damage.

"...all specialized technical teams continue to monitor developments and implement the necessary measures in accordance with their respective responsibilities and the approved emergency response plans," the agencies said in a statement.

Oman's Environment Authority did not immediately respond to' request for comment.

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