Oil Spill near Oman Triggers New Environmental Concerns amid Gulf Attacks
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The Arab Post
- . August 19, 2026
- . Update: August 19, 2026 5:40 pm
Oman’s authorities are continuing rescue and oil spill containment procedures following the grounding of the Oman environmental pollution, Caroline Bezengi vessel off the shores of the Al Hallaniyat islands under extreme weather conditions that hamper the safe approach of the rescue teams to the vessel.
The oil spill caused by the grounded tanker has affected some 12 kilometers of beaches in Oman, reports the state news agency of Oman. The strong winds, rough sea, shallow water and the damaged condition of the vessel are presenting some serious technical difficulties for the teams working on the oil spill containment.
The authorities are now working with the maritime risk management firm Ambrey to airlift the equipment to the site of the incident.
Bad Weather Adds to Difficulty in Saving Caroline Bezengi
The salvage operation is going on in very tough circumstances.
As per the Omani officials, wind speed in the area may be around 40 knots and wave heights could be up to 4 meters. It has been a big challenge for the rescue team to get access to the tanker by both air and sea.
The operation is being further complicated by khareef season in some parts of Oman.
As per Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rawahi, Director General of Maritime Affairs in Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, rescue vessels need to work with utmost precision due to dangerous circumstances surrounding the tanker.
Difficult Water Conditions Hinder Access to the Tanker
The water conditions around the grounding area are shallow and rocky.
There are also difficulties with inadequate marine and hydrographic data required to know the depth of water and the seabed around the tanker.
For this purpose, marine surveys are going on around the tanker and along the possible route towards the tanker.
Caroline Bezengi Tilts on Rocky Ground – Oman oil spill
One more problem is represented by the state of the tanker itself.
The Caroline Bezengi apparently found itself grounded on rocky terrain and tilting up to 17 degrees, with much of one side lying underwater.
In addition, oil and seawater flooded the ship’s deck, while high winds and waves created dangerous conditions for workers on board.
The tanker lacks an operational power system for running the equipment needed for rescue, so generators and other technical means of equipment should be delivered first to the site of the accident.
It is claimed by officials that major operations with cargo transfer or salvage cannot be started until the basic safety requirements are fulfilled.
Oman Imports Equipment for Containing Oil Spill
Officials from Oman are cooperating with Ambrey on importing pollution control equipment and materials for this purpose.
Rubber containment booms, oil spill response materials, and chemical dispersants are to be imported. A special vessel will be deployed for this equipment delivery around the area of the incident.
Transferring Oil to Safe Tanks Is Under Consideration by Authorities
One of the possible technical solutions that authorities are considering is transferring oil from ruptured tanks to undamaged tanks in the same tanker.
This may result in decreasing the amount of oil at risk of being leaked and lessening the pressure on the damaged areas of the tanker.
But before that, authorities should decide whether the transfer can be done safely.
Generators, pumps, and other necessary equipment will have to be set up, and people will constantly monitor the stability of the tanker and its tanks.
This process will only take place under safe conditions.
Oman environmental pollution has Covered 12 km of Omani Shores
This incident has already resulted in the pollution of the Omani coasts.
As a result, the area of beaches covered with oil has become 12 kilometers.
Thus, there are containment teams that try to restrict the spread of the spill, and authorities should find the most effective way to stabilize the tanker.
Difficult weather makes this situation even more complicated.
