Oman Says Oil Spill Reaches Main Coastline

An oil spill from a stricken tanker off Oman has reached the country’s mainland, polluting beaches on the central coast, the Omani Environment Authority said.

Oil from the Caroline Bezengi, which has been leaking crude since running aground off Oman in June, has arrived at Ras Madrakah. The authority said it is affecting up to 40km of coastline.

Oil reaches beaches at Ras Madrakah

The Environment Authority said the affected stretch is along Oman’s central coast, where slicks have spread from the site of the incident. It added that specialised monitoring and response measures are under way to limit the spread and reduce environmental harm.

Spill expected to move towards Masirah Island

The authority said oil is also likely to reach the southern coast of Masirah Island, around 15km off Oman, in the “coming hours”. It said the expected impact would be on a 10-20km stretch of coastline.

Authorities said their response includes ongoing surveillance and follow-up work, alongside action to contain pollution. They also said priority is being given to areas considered highly sensitive environmentally.

Monitoring and response efforts continue

In a statement, the Environment Authority said specialised teams are carrying out monitoring, follow-up and response operations. It added that necessary steps are being taken to reduce the spread of the pollution and minimise potential impacts.

Omani authorities previously said the spill measured nearly 400 square kilometres. They said the slick was concentrated around the Hallaniyat archipelago, which includes a marine reserve established last year to protect habitats for sea turtles and other aquatic life.

Environmental groups, including Greenpeace, have estimated that the spill is larger than the figure given by Omani authorities.

Tanker disabled after suspected explosion

The Caroline Bezengi has been disabled near Oman’s Al Hallaniyat Islands since June 8, after the ship’s crew reported a suspected explosion.

Omani authorities have not reported the cause of the incident.

Western governments have identified the tanker as part of Russia’s shadow fleet, used to transport Russian oil that has faced heavy sanctions following Moscow’s 2022 invasion.

The Caroline Bezengi most recently sailed under the flag of Cameroon.

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13 August 2026