Oil spill off Oman reportedly reaches mainland amid monsoon winds

An oil spill from a crude oil tanker that ran aground off Oman's coast on June 30 has reportedly begun reaching the mainland, as monsoon winds complicate containment efforts. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is closely monitoring the situation.

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The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is closely monitoring the oil leakage from the crude oil tanker CAROLINE BEZENGI, which grounded off the coast of Oman on 30 June 2026 and is currently around 22 nautical miles offshore of Sharbithat, Oman.

The "CAROLINE BEZENGI" tanker is currently located about 22 nautical miles offshore of Sharbithat, Oman. Oil is drifting northeast of Al-Qibliyyah Island, with some reported to be reaching the mainland. The seasonal monsoon has limited access to the vessel and delayed salvage operations.

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Oil is drifting offshore to the northeast of Al-Qibliyyah Island with some oil reported to be reaching the mainland

Oman's environment agency reported that some beaches in the Ras Madrakah area on the southeastern coast were affected by oil pollution. The spill has impacted approximately 390 square kilometers, with the slick concentrated around the Hallaniyat archipelago, home to a marine reserve established last year.

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the seasonal monsoon has limited access to the vessel and delayed salvage operations

While Omani authorities have not identified the cause, a British maritime security company suggested the tanker was rocked by explosions in early June. Advocacy groups Greenpeace and PAX stated the tanker was carrying about one million barrels of crude and warned of an impending environmental disaster. The vessel is believed to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet," which has faced criticism over maintenance and safety standards.

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today's monitoring results showed that some beaches in the Ras Madrakah area were affected by oil pollution