An oil spill from a grounded tanker has reached the coast of Oman, days after the leak was first reported as endangering a nearby island. The environment authority confirmed Wednesday that crude oil has arrived on mainland beaches north of Qabiliyah Island.
The tanker, identified as the Caroline Bezengi, was carrying nearly 1 million barrels of oil when it reportedly suffered an explosion in June. The cause of the explosion and responsibility for the incident have not yet been disclosed. The vessel is believed to be part of Russia's "shadow fleet" and has faced sanctions from the British government and the European Union.
Environmental experts had noted the spill spreading rapidly from the partially submerged tanker off the shores of Qabiliyah Island, a location identified as a marine protected area. Oman's Environment Authority has been monitoring the situation and confirmed the contamination has now reached the beaches of Ras Madrakah on the mainland, approximately 200 kilometers (125 miles) north of the island.
Authorities also issued a warning that the southern coasts of Masirah Island, located over 300 kilometers (185 miles) north of the tanker's position, could be affected in the coming hours. Recent satellite imagery indicates the spill covers an area exceeding 600 square kilometers (231 square miles). The spread is reportedly exacerbated by strong winds and currents associated with the monsoon season.
The Caroline Bezengi, a 247-meter (899-foot) vessel, departed from the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, Russia, in May, according to geospatial data tracking company SynMax Maritime. Reports suggest the tanker's owners are based in Shanghai.