Largest island of Oman; a windward outpost in the Arabian Sea
The Caroline Bezengi, carrying Russian crude under sanctions, has leaked since June after an explosion aboard. Salvage efforts are underway as oil reaches Oman’s beaches and a marine reserve, prompting international concern and calls for faster response.
Crude oil leaking from the Caroline Bezengi has reached Ras Madrakah beaches and is expected to affect Masirah Island’s southern coast in the coming hours. Authorities monitor the spill as it spreads across hundreds of square kilometres, with environmental groups warning the disaster could be larger than official figures.
Oil from the tanker Caroline Bezengi has spread across hundreds of square kilometres off Oman, threatening a marine protected area. Salvage teams are stabilising the vessel amid Khareef monsoon conditions, with international help mobilised as satellite imagery shows rapid expansion of the spill.