Oil Spill from Russian Shadow Fleet Vessel Affects Oman Coastline

An oil spill caused by the tanker Caroline Bezengi has affected approximately 12 kilometers of beaches in the Ras Madrakah area of Oman. The vessel, which was transporting about 800,000 barrels of Russian crude oil, is identified as part of the Russian ghost or shadow fleet. Reports indicate the ship is partially submerged near the islands of Hallaniyat or Qabiliyah. While the Oman Environmental Authority states that the spill has not yet reached the southern part of Masirah Island, other estimates suggest the oil could extend further north toward that location.

The Caroline Bezengi had previously departed from the Russian port of Novorosíisk and reportedly suffered an onboard explosion in Yemeni waters in early June. The ship, which was listed with a Cameroon flag but later listed as having an unknown flag by the International Maritime Organization, ran aground on June 30 in a marine nature reserve. Satellite analysis by specialist John Amos suggests the oil slick expanded from 390 square kilometers to over 2,000 square kilometers.

Omani authorities are monitoring and responding to the pollution. However, the recovery process is complicated by a lack of accountability. The ship owner based in Shanghai has not responded to requests from Omani authorities, and there is no evidence that the vessel holds recognized protection and indemnity insurance. It remains unknown if the vessel was the target of an attack related to conflicts in the Middle East.