Sanctioned 'Shadow Fleet' Tanker Causes 390 Sq Km Oil Spill Off Oman Coast

An oil spill from a damaged tanker carrying Russian crude has spread to cover an area of 390 square kilometers (150 square miles) off the coast of Oman, the country's government confirmed. The incident involves the Caroline Bezengi, a vessel under Western sanctions and identified as part of Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," highlighting the environmental and logistical risks associated with circumventing international oil sanctions.

Details of the Spill

In its first public disclosure on the matter, Oman's Environment Authority stated on Monday that the oil slick is located near the Hallaniyat Islands in the southern Dhofar governorate. The authority, cited by the Omani state news agency, said its analysis using satellite imagery showed the slick extending northeast toward the mainland.

At its nearest point, the spill is an estimated seven kilometers from the Omani shore. An analysis of satellite imagery by Reuters last month indicated that the leak from the stranded, 274-meter (900-foot) tanker was continuing to spread, increasing concerns about potential environmental damage to the region's marine ecosystem.

A Sanctioned Vessel

The Caroline Bezengi is part of a network of aging, often poorly maintained tankers used to transport Russian oil in defiance of Western sanctions imposed over the war in Ukraine. This "shadow fleet" often operates with obscured ownership and insurance, creating significant risks in the event of accidents.

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Both the European Union and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on the Caroline Bezengi for its role in transporting Russian fuels. Shipping data confirmed the vessel was loaded with Russian crude before its voyage. The tanker last transmitted a public tracking signal on June 11 off the coast of Yemen.

Unclear Cause of Damage

The specific cause of the damage to the tanker remains unclear, and Omani officials have not offered an explanation. According to two maritime security sources, the crew of the Caroline Bezengi first reported difficulties on June 8 off the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla.

Initial assessments from these security sources suggested a blast may have occurred onboard the vessel. However, this has not been officially confirmed. The incident draws attention to the operational dangers and lack of transparency surrounding the shadow fleet, which poses a growing threat to global maritime safety and environmental stability.