A significant oil spill from the grounded tanker Caroline Bezengi continues to expand off the coast of Oman, according to satellite imagery and environmental experts. The Suezmax vessel, which has been stranded since June following an reported onboard explosion, is leaking crude oil across an increasingly large area of the Arabian Sea.
Satellite images from Sunday showed the spill now covering an estimated 150 square kilometers, representing a dramatic increase from approximately 20 square kilometers observed a week prior. The oil slick is spreading northeastward from the vessel’s location, with thick black patches of crude reaching the southern and western shores of Qibliyah Island. Environmental analysts indicate the oil sheen extends roughly 90 kilometers in length, nearly double its size from the previous week. Experts estimate the tanker was carrying over 800,000 barrels of crude oil at the time of grounding.
The affected region is designated as a marine protected area within the Arabian Sea and provides habitat for endangered species, including rare Arabian Sea humpback whales and endangered petrels. The vessel is registered under the Cameroon flag and has been sanctioned by the United Kingdom, European Union, Canada, and Switzerland due to allegations it has been involved in activities supporting Russia or destabilizing Ukraine. Geospatial tracking companies documented the tanker at a Russian Black Sea port in May before its most recent voyage.
Oman’s Ministry of Transport issued an order requiring the ship’s owners to remove the vessel and its cargo by July 23, though it remained unclear whether owners had complied with the directive as of the article’s date. Environmental experts noted the darkening color of the oil sheen in recent days, suggesting the tanker may be leaking thicker crude oil and potentially sinking deeper into the water. No visible response efforts have been observed near the stranded vessel, raising concerns among environmental organizations about the adequacy of cleanup and containment measures.
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