Oil Spill Off Oman Reaches Several Areas in Iran

An oil spill originating from the tanker Caroline Bezengi off the coast of Oman has spread to Iran's southern shores, impacting at least three locations, including the island of Qeshm. Iranian authorities confirmed the contamination on Thursday.

Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that pollution has been documented on the coast and in sea surface areas. The vice president of Iran's Environmental Protection Agency, Shina Ansari, suggested the accident was a consequence of the ongoing conflict with the United States. "The oil pollution on the southern coast of Qeshm and Hengam Island is one of the evident consequences of the military incursions that have been imposed on the coastal and marine ecosystem of our country," Ansari said.

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Pollution has been documented in three locations on the coast and in some sea surface areas

The leak was detected on the Cameroon-flagged tanker Caroline Bezengi, which reportedly suffered an explosion in early June in Yemeni waters. The vessel is carrying approximately 800,000 barrels of Russian oil and is reportedly under international sanctions. The spill has also affected Oman's coast, impacting beaches in the Ras Madrakah area over a stretch of up to 40 kilometers, according to Oman's Environment Authority.

Omani authorities have launched an operation focusing on technical remediation, vessel safety, and environmental impact assessment. So far, no impacts have been reported on desalination plants or aquaculture projects. Ambrey, a maritime risk management company, is collaborating with Oman on the salvage operation.

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The oil pollution on the southern coast of Qeshm and on Hengam Island is one of the evident consequences of the military incursions that have been imposed on the coastal and marine ecosystem of our country