Oil spill from grounded tanker reaches Omani mainland beaches

A grounded tanker off Oman has spilled crude oil, contaminating a marine reserve and now reaching the mainland.

Caroline Bezengi, a 247‑metre tanker sanctioned by the UK and EU for carrying Russian oil, reported an explosion in June while en route from Novorossiysk. The vessel ran aground near Qabiliyah Island and has been leaking crude ever since.

The Oman’s Environment Authority confirmed on Wednesday that the leak has moved beyond the island’s protected waters, reaching the beaches of Ras Madrakah on the mainland, about 200 kilometres north of the wreck. Strong monsoon winds and currents have helped the slick cover more than 600 square kilometres.

Environmental experts warn that the spill threatens the marine protected area around Qabiliyah Island and could soon affect the southern coast of Masirah Island, over 300 kilometres away.

Oman relies heavily on tourism and fishing along its coastline. A spill of this magnitude could damage coral reefs, harm marine life and deter visitors, with knock‑on effects for local livelihoods. The tanker is believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet”, a group of vessels operating under opaque ownership to evade sanctions.

Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have warned that further coastal areas may be impacted in the coming hours. International maritime regulators may face pressure to tighten oversight of sanctioned vessels, while cleanup crews prepare for a potentially lengthy remediation effort.