Omani Environment Authority: Oil pollution from the grounded ship could extend 40 kilometers along the coast
- Possibility of oil slicks reaching the southern coast of “Masirah” in the coming hours, with continued monitoring via satellite imagery
The Oman Environment Authority confirmed on Wednesday that certain beaches in the “Ras Madraka” area of the “Dhofar” wilayat have been affected by oil pollution resulting from a spill from the grounded oil tanker “Caroline Bessenge,” which ran aground off the “Halaniyat Islands.” The authority anticipated that a coastal stretch of up to 40 kilometers in the same area could be impacted.
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The Authority clarified in a statement that this impact is likely to extend to the southern beaches of “Masirah” Island in the coming hours, covering a stretch ranging from 10 to 20 kilometers. It reaffirmed its continued monitoring of the consequences of the tanker incident near “Qalhat” Island, located within the “Halaniyat Islands” archipelago in the Dhofar Governorate, and the implementation of monitoring, surveying, and environmental response operations in coordination with relevant authorities.
It also confirmed the use of technical monitoring tools, satellite imagery, and numerical models to track the movement and spread of oil slicks and predict potential locations where they may reach.
The Authority noted that specialized teams are continuing follow-up and response efforts, taking necessary measures to limit the spread of the oil and mitigate its potential impacts, with priority given to areas of high environmental sensitivity.
In this regard, the Authority called on fishermen, visitors to coastal areas, and the general public to avoid approaching any detected materials or pollutants and to report them to the competent authorities.
Omani authorities had previously confirmed on Monday that they are continuing efforts to manage the incident involving the grounded oil tanker “Caroline Bessenge” in the Arabian Sea off the “Halaniyat Islands,” within the jurisdiction of Dhofar Governorate, to minimize any potential environmental impacts or risks to the marine ecosystem.
It was clarified that monitoring and technical analysis operations have shown the continued presence of oil pollution in the marine area associated with the incident, with an oil slick covering an area of approximately 390 square kilometers detected.
Over the past period, various locations along the Sultanate of Oman’s coastline witnessed attacks on ships and oil tankers due to regional tensions. During this time, the Oman Maritime Security Center, with the assistance of other relevant authorities, worked to provide aid, rescue crews, and supply emergency necessities.
