Isolated island off Oman, now back in the headlines over a major offshore oil spill
Oil from the Caroline Bezengi has reached Oman’s Ras Madrakah beaches, threatening up to 40 km of coastline and potentially reaching Masirah Island. The spill has expanded beyond initial estimates, with Greenpeace and other groups warning of a larger disaster. Salvage and containment efforts are ongoing while questions about the ship’s ownership, insurance, and sanctions persist.
Crude oil leaks from the Caroline Bezengi, a sanctioned tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, carrying nearly 1 million barrels when it exploded in June. The spill has spread from Qabiliyah Island toward Ras Madrakah and Masirah Island as Oman monitors contamination and warns of further coastal impact.