Oman Says Oil Spill From Grounded Sanctioned Tanker Spreads Across 400 Square Kilometres

Omani authorities say an oil spill from a grounded tanker off the country’s southern coast has spread across an estimated 400 square kilometres, raising serious concerns for marine ecosystems around the protected Hallaniyat Islands.

The tanker, Caroline Bezengi, was carrying nearly one million barrels of Russian crude oil when it ran into difficulties and later grounded near the islands off Dhofar. The vessel is under Western sanctions linked to Russia’s oil trade and has been described as part of the so-called shadow fleet.

Oman’s Environment Authority said the slick had expanded over a large area. The incident is being closely monitored as authorities deploy response measures aimed at containing the pollution and reducing the risk of oil reaching sensitive shorelines.

Response efforts include the use of containment equipment and aerial dispersants. Authorities and environmental specialists are also assessing the movement of the slick and its potential impact on wildlife and coastal habitats.

The Hallaniyat Islands and surrounding waters are ecologically important and support a wide range of marine life. The region is associated with endangered Arabian Sea humpback whales as well as turtles, seabirds and other species, increasing concern over the potential long-term effects of the spill.

The Caroline Bezengi’s crew first reported difficulties on June 8 while the vessel was off the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, according to maritime security sources cited by Reuters. Initial assessments have included the possibility of an explosion aboard the ship, although the precise circumstances remain under investigation.

The vessel had loaded crude at Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk before travelling through the Suez Canal toward the region.

The tanker’s sanctions status and opaque ownership and insurance arrangements have also drawn attention to the environmental risks associated with the shadow fleet — ageing or obscurely owned vessels used to move sanctioned oil outside conventional Western shipping and insurance networks.

Satellite imagery has indicated that the pollution has continued to spread. Estimates of the affected area vary depending on the date and methodology used; Oman’s Environment Authority put the slick at around 400 square kilometres, while environmental groups have issued higher estimates.

The incident is now one of the most significant marine pollution events reported in the area in recent years. Omani authorities are continuing containment and mitigation operations while monitoring the grounded vessel and the surrounding sea.

The full environmental impact will depend on how much crude ultimately escapes, currents and weather conditions, and the effectiveness of containment and clean-up measures.

What we know

•    Vessel: Caroline Bezengi
•    Location: Near the Hallaniyat Islands off Dhofar, Oman
•    Cargo: Nearly one million barrels of Russian crude oil
•    Omani estimate of spill area: Around 400 square kilometres
•    Environmental concern: Protected and ecologically sensitive marine habitat
•    Response: Containment equipment, monitoring and aerial dispersants among measures reported

Sources

Reuters, August 10, 2026: Oman says grounded tanker oil spill covers 400 square kilometres.

Oman Environment Authority information cited by Reuters.

Additional background: Reuters, August 6, 2026, on Oman’s response to the stranded vessel off Dhofar.