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Salvage operations have commenced on an oil tanker currently leaking crude into waters near Oman’s coast, according to the risk management firm Ambrey. The vessel, identified as the Caroline Bezengi, has been discharging oil into the sea since June following an unexplained explosion. Specialist teams have already boarded the ship to begin stabilization work, with additional salvage vessels expected to arrive shortly to assist in the recovery effort.
The spill has grown to alarming proportions in recent weeks. Environmental organization Greenpeace reported that the affected area has expanded dramatically from approximately 45 square kilometers in late July to roughly 1,300 square kilometers by mid-August. This rapid expansion has raised significant concerns about potential damage to the region’s marine ecosystems, particularly a protected reserve near the Hallaniyat archipelago that was established just last year.
Recovery efforts face substantial obstacles, including harsh monsoon weather conditions and complications surrounding vessel ownership and insurance liability. Ambrey stated it is coordinating with Omani authorities and international partners to mitigate environmental damage. However, some experts have expressed concerns that the two-month delay before active salvage operations began may have limited the effectiveness of containment efforts, as earlier intervention typically yields better outcomes in oil spill response scenarios.
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Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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