Oman Says Masirah Shores Remain Unaffected as Oil Spill Response Continues Near Duqm

Oman’s Environment Authority says no effects from an offshore oil pollution incident have reached the shores of Masirah Island so far, while response teams continue work along an affected section of coastline in the Ras Madrakah area of Duqm.

In an update issued on Saturday, August 15, the authority said the affected coastal stretch at Ras Madrakah currently extends for around 12 kilometres, with field operations underway to address the pollution.

Oil Slick Moving Toward Open Sea

Updated monitoring data and modelling indicate that the oil slick remains offshore southeast of Masirah and is continuing along its monitored trajectory toward the open sea, according to the authority.

Its movement is being tracked in line with changing marine and weather conditions, allowing response teams to assess potential risks to nearby coastal areas.

Masirah Island Shores Unaffected So Far

The authority stressed that, as of its latest assessment, no oil pollution effects had reached Masirah Island’s shores. Monitoring remains active because the island had previously been identified as one of the areas that could potentially be affected.

Response Teams Working With Relevant Agencies

Oman’s Environment Authority said it is conducting field monitoring and response operations in coordination with relevant entities. The work is intended to track developments, limit environmental damage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems.

Earlier Assessment Identified Wider Potential Risk

In an earlier update, the authority said the incident involving the grounded oil tanker Caroline Bezengi near Qabiliyah Island in Dhofar Governorate could potentially affect a much larger stretch of coastline.

That assessment indicated that oil pollution could reach up to 40 kilometres of the Ras Madrakah coastline, while between 10 and 20 kilometres of beaches in southern Masirah could potentially be affected. The latest update indicates that the currently affected Ras Madrakah stretch is about 12 kilometres and that Masirah’s shores remain unaffected so far.

Focus on Protecting Marine and Coastal Ecosystems

Authorities are continuing to monitor the slick and carry out response measures as conditions develop. Oman’s coastline supports important marine habitats, making rapid monitoring and containment important in reducing potential ecological impacts.

Key Points

•    No oil pollution impact has reached Masirah Island’s shores so far.
•    Around 12 km of coastline at Ras Madrakah in Duqm is currently affected.
•    The offshore oil slick is moving southeast of Masirah toward the open sea.
•    Authorities are tracking its movement according to marine and weather conditions.
•    Field response operations are continuing to protect marine and coastal ecosystems.
•    The incident is linked to the grounded oil tanker Caroline Bezengi near Qabiliyah Island in Dhofar.

Source: Qatar News Agency (QNA), August 15, 2026, citing Oman’s Environment Authority. Rewritten and restructured for publication.