Leaking crude oil from a tanker grounded off a nature reserve in Oman has created a slick covering almost 400sqkm, the country’s government said yesterday.
The Caroline Bezengi is loaded with close to one million barrels of Russian oil bound for Asia and first reported difficulties on June 8 off Yemen, with two maritime security sources saying initial assessments indicated a blast had occurred onboard.
No party has taken responsibility for attacking the vessel.
Oman, in its first public disclosure on the environmental impact, said yesterday it was seeking to tackle the oil leak near the Hallaniyat Islands.
The oil slick covers some 390sqkm, Oman’s Environment Authority said in a statement, adding there was no concern for facilities in the area including water desalination plants and tourist facilities.
It extends northeast of the islands and is within an estimated seven kilometres of the coast, the authority said.
Environmental group Greenpeace last week estimated the slick at around 600sqkm, citing analysis of satellite imagery.
An analysis by Reuters of satellite imagery and shipping specialists showed the spill from the stranded 274-m tanker was still spreading at the end of last month, raising concern about possible environmental damage.