Oil spill from grounded tanker reaches Oman’s coast

Greenpeace MENA says the spill from the grounded tanker Caroline Bezengi has now reached Oman’s shoreline, raising pressure on authorities to stabilize the vessel and offload its cargo. The group says the incident threatens sensitive marine habitat and could worsen as monsoon conditions continue.

Why it matters: - The spill has moved from an offshore emergency into a coastal contamination threat. - Oil has reached land near Ras Madrakah and could spread further along Oman’s coast. - The incident threatens coral reefs, seagrass meadows, turtle nesting beaches, seabird breeding grounds and the Arabian Sea humpback whale population.

What happened: - The grounded tanker Caroline Bezengi has been stranded off Oman’s Hallaniyat Islands for two months. - Greenpeace MENA said oil from the tanker reached the Omani coast on August 13, 2026. - Oman's Environment Authority confirmed oil at Ras Madrakah, about 200 kilometers north of the tanker. - The affected shoreline stretches about 40 kilometers, according to the authority. - Forecasts indicate oil may reach the southern coast of Masirah Island within hours.

The details: - Satellite image analysis showed the spill had expanded to about 1,700 square kilometers as of August 13. - Omani authorities have deployed response teams, including divers inspecting the tanker’s hull. - The response also includes aerial monitoring and satellite surveillance. - Greenpeace MENA said the tanker is increasingly submerged. - The exact amount of oil already leaked and the amount still on board remain unclear. - Greenpeace MENA is calling for the tanker to be stabilized, the remaining cargo to be offloaded, and coastal protection efforts to be intensified. - The group said the Arabian Sea Marine Protected Area, established in 2025, needs added protection.

Between the lines: - The timing is working against responders because monsoon conditions can make containment and salvage harder. - Greenpeace MENA said the situation is too complex for any one country to handle alone. - The group is pushing for international support with specialized expertise, equipment and resources. - Greenpeace MENA said oil damage can continue long after the visible slick fades because residues can settle into marine sediments.

What's next: - Greenpeace MENA said it will keep monitoring the spill through satellite analysis. - The organization said it will issue updates as new verified information becomes available. - The immediate focus remains preventing further leakage and transferring the tanker’s remaining cargo when conditions allow. - A wider coastal impact remains possible if oil reaches Masirah Island or spreads farther along the shoreline.