A major oil spill originating from the stricken tanker, the Caroline Bezengi, has reached its coast in Oman, triggering immediate concerns and prompting urgent responses from the Sultanate’s Environment Authority. The incident, which occurred since June 8th, has resulted in an estimated 40-kilometer (25-mile) stretch of coastline being contaminated, affecting up to 10-20 kilometers of coastline, according to the authority’s statement released on Wednesday.
Initial reports indicate that the spill, measuring approximately 400 square kilometers (154 square miles), has been concentrated around the Hallaniyat archipelago, a marine reserve established last year to safeguard sea turtle habitats. The Caroline Bezengi, a tanker carrying crude oil, has been disabled near the Al Hallaniyat Islands since June, prompting ongoing monitoring efforts by specialized teams. The environmental authorities stressed the need to minimize pollution’s impact and mitigate potential risks, prioritizing areas with high environmental sensitivity.
The spill’s origin remains unclear, and Western governments have identified the Caroline Bezengi as part of Russia’s shadow fleet, utilizing this vessel to transport Russian oil, which has been significantly sanctioned since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The tanker was last reported to be sailing under the Cameroon flag, a significant point of concern given its role in Russia’s strategic oil transport network.
Built in 2001, the Caroline Bezengi is currently under sanctions in several European Union nations, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Canada, and Ukraine. Rentoor Shipmanagement and Villar Shipmanagement, both based in China, are registered as the ship’s owner and operator, respectively, according to the OpenSanctions database. Environmental groups, including Greenpeace, have voiced alarm, predicting a potentially unprecedented oil disaster without immediate intervention. Greenpeace’s recent warnings highlighted the risk of widespread environmental damage to Oman’s coastal ecosystems and biodiversity.
The immediate consequences of the spill are substantial, with authorities initiating a comprehensive assessment of the situation and deploying resources to contain the spread of contamination. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves, and the environmental authority reiterated its commitment to protecting Oman’s natural resources and ensuring the safety of coastal communities. The extent of the damage and the long-term environmental impacts remain to be fully assessed.
This incident underscores the vulnerability of the region to maritime incidents and highlights the geopolitical implications of Russia’s oil trade, adding another layer of complexity to Oman’s security landscape.
Source: Al Jazeera
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Source: Al Jazeera
