Oman Tanker Spill Spreads Across 500 Square Miles, Reaching Coast 120 Miles Away
Updated
Updated · CNN · Aug 12
Oman Tanker Spill Spreads Across 500 Square Miles, Reaching Coast 120 Miles Away
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Aug 12
Summary
Greenpeace estimated the Caroline Bezengi spill at 500 square miles, with fragmented slicks now spread across multiple areas rather than one continuous mass.
Omani authorities said the oil has already reached 25 miles of Ras Madrakah coastline about 120 miles from the stranded tanker and could next affect Masirah Island.
More than 100 tons of salvage equipment have been deployed, but monsoon-season Khareef conditions are slowing efforts to contain leakage from the tanker, which was carrying about 800,000 barrels.
The vessel ran aground off Al-Qibliyyah Island after an unidentified June 6 incident, and experts say shoreline contamination could linger for years in sediments and waters.
The tanker is believed to be part of Russia's shadow fleet, raising liability concerns that could leave Oman bearing cleanup and ecological costs in a sensitive habitat for turtles, seabirds and rare humpback whales.