Omani authorities continue containment operations of oil spill from grounded tanker in the Arabian Sea - Sarmad
(KUNA) – Omani authorities, in collaboration with international experts, continue their rescue and containment efforts regarding the oil spill from the vessel Caroline Bezinge, which has been aground on a rocky reef in the Al Hallaniyat Islands archipelago in the Dhofar Governorate for some time, amid difficult weather conditions and challenging marine environments.
Mohammed Al Rawahi, Director General of Maritime Affairs at the Omani Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said in a statement on Monday that the autumn season’s weather conditions, characterized by strong winds (around 40 knots) and high sea waves (approximately four meters), have created exceptional technical and operational challenges. These factors have made it extremely difficult to safely approach the vessel and have limited the execution of required maritime operations.
He added that the waters surrounding the grounding site are shallow and rocky, compounded by a lack of precise marine and hydrographic data necessary to determine depths and safe approach channels. This situation presents an “additional challenge” for support vessels, which require a high level of precision to operate safely near the grounded ship.
Al Rawahi clarified that the current conditions pose operational and navigational risks for rescue vessels and marine equipment approaching the incident site, necessitating the search for alternative means to reach the vessel and support the work teams on board.
He noted that the challenges also include the technical condition of the vessel itself, which is grounded on a rocky area and tilted at approximately 17 degrees. This tilt has caused water to flood a large portion of one side of the ship, making movement and work on deck more difficult.
Furthermore, the exposure of the ship’s surface to oil and seawater, combined with strong waves and winds, has made some work areas slippery and unsafe. Additionally, there is no reliable power source on board to operate the equipment needed for rescue operations. He emphasized the importance of ensuring minimum safety requirements are met before proceeding with cargo transfer or heavy-duty operations.
Al Rawahi pointed out that the Omani Ministry of Transport has been intensifying efforts from the outset to mitigate potential environmental impacts resulting from the grounding incident. In coordination with the British company Ambrey, specialized firms in oil spill response and pollution control have been engaged.
He confirmed ongoing coordination with Ambrey and cooperation with the Environment Authority and relevant national entities to ensure the readiness and deployment of necessary resources and equipment, whenever weather and sea conditions permit, in accordance with approved environmental and technical assessments and requirements.
He also noted that aerial support is being relied upon to transport experts and equipment to the ship’s deck, as maritime transport is not feasible under current conditions.
Omani authorities have been working for days to manage the incident involving the oil tanker Caroline Bezinge, which ran aground in the Arabian Sea, aiming to limit any potential environmental impacts or risks.
Over the past period, various locations along the Sultanate of Oman’s coastline have seen oil tankers and vessels targeted due to regional events. During this time, the Omani Maritime Security Center, assisted by other relevant authorities, has been providing assistance, rescuing crews, and supplying emergency needs.
