A sanctioned tanker identified as the Caroline Bezengi has been leaking crude oil following an explosion reported in June, according to Oman’s Environment Authority. The vessel, which is believed to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet and was carrying approximately 1 million barrels of oil, remains partially submerged off the coast of Qabiliyah Island. The cause of the explosion and responsibility for the incident have not been determined.
Environmental officials reported that contamination has expanded beyond the initial area and now reached beaches on mainland Oman at Ras Madrakah, located roughly 200 kilometers to the north of the island. Authorities have also indicated that the southern coasts of Masirah Island, situated over 300 kilometers from the tanker’s location, may experience effects in the near term. Recent satellite imagery indicated the spill covers an area exceeding 600 square kilometers, with conditions exacerbated by strong winds and currents associated with the monsoon season.
The 247-meter vessel departed from Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk in May and has been sanctioned by both British and European Union authorities for transporting Russian oil. Ownership is attributed to a Shanghai-based entity. The grounded tanker poses a particular threat to the marine protected area surrounding Qabiliyah Island, with monitoring efforts ongoing by Oman’s environmental authorities to track the spread and assess environmental impacts across the region.
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