Oman moves to contain oil spill after tanker grounding

Oman is taking steps to manage an oil spill threatening its coastline, stemming from a tanker that ran aground in a protected marine nature reserve almost a month prior. The sultanate announced its efforts to contain the slick on Monday, following an AFP investigation. This investigation, using satellite imagery and NGO reports, revealed an oil patch spanning 600 square kilometers. This vast slick poses a significant threat to the Al-Hallaniyat archipelago, a vital biodiversity hotspot in the Arabian Sea. Environmental groups Greenpeace and PAX had previously warned of an imminent regional environmental catastrophe, urging immediate intervention. Oman's environmental authority, however, has reported that 390 square kilometers have been affected, acknowledging the urgent need for action to safeguard the region's marine life, including coral reefs and turtle nesting sites. Authorities have initiated aerial surveillance and deployed divers to the affected area. A plan is underway to transfer the oil cargo from the vessel, aiming to mitigate risks, ensure navigational safety, and protect the marine environment. The cause of the accident remains undetermined, though the tanker, the Caroline Bezengi, is suspected of being part of Russia's 'ghost fleet' and was reportedly damaged by explosions in early June.