Overview
- Satellite imagery verified by AFP and NGO analysis show the oil sheen grew from about 20 square kilometres in late July to roughly 600 square kilometres by August 4.
- Open-source data and trackers identify the stranded vessel as the Caroline Bezengi, which Kpler says loaded about one million barrels at Sheskharis in the Black Sea on May 11 and was sanctioned by the UK in February.
- Maritime security firm Vanguard Tech reported three explosions on June 6 that flooded the steering gear compartment and pump room and left the engine and steering inoperable, after which the ship became stranded between June 18 and 23.
- The spill threatens the newly declared al-Hallaniyat marine reserve, including coral reefs, seagrass, nesting sea turtles, seabird breeding sites and the rare Arabian Sea humpback whale, and it risks hurting Omani fishing communities.
- The International Maritime Organization has offered assistance, but Oman has given few public details on containment or salvage efforts and NGOs and satellite monitors remain the main sources tracking the incident and its growing risk.