A salvage operation is under way to stabilise the Caroline Bezengi, the tanker leaking crude near Oman’s Hallaniyat archipelago. Ambrey, the risk management company coordinating the effort, said specialist personnel had boarded the vessel and salvage vessels were expected to arrive soon.
The spill has reached beaches along Oman’s central coast and expanded to about 1,300 square kilometres, according to Greenpeace’s analysis of satellite imagery. The incident is threatening coastal ecosystems, including a marine reserve off the Hallaniyat archipelago.
What the response operation involves
Ambrey said it is working with Omani authorities and an unnamed leading international oil spill response company as part of what it described as a significant international response. The effort includes salvage vessels, aircraft and specialist personnel.
The company said adverse weather linked to Oman’s annual Khareef monsoon has made the operation extremely challenging. The International Maritime Organization said it was closely monitoring the situation and would continue supporting ongoing efforts.
Related coverage: Caroline Bezengi spill reaches Oman’s coast as slick expands.
How the spill developed
The tanker has been leaking oil since June, when its crew reported an unidentified explosion. Oman’s environmental authority confirmed that oil had reached beaches on the central coast a day before Ambrey announced the salvage operation.
Satellite-image analysis cited by Greenpeace indicated that the spill grew from 45 square kilometres in late July to about 1,300 square kilometres by Wednesday. Omani authorities had estimated it at approximately 400 square kilometres on Monday.
Why responsibility and compensation are uncertain
The Caroline Bezengi is suspected of being part of Russia’s shadow fleet used to transport sanctioned Russian oil. It has flown the flags of Cameroon, Palau and Liberia, while the identities of other countries or companies involved in the response have not been disclosed.
More context: Oil spill from stranded tanker spreads off southern Oman.
The International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds said they would not take part in the cleanup after determining that the incident likely resulted from an act of war. The lack of a clear owner or verified insurer has complicated efforts to secure a rapid response and establish who should pay for remediation.
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