Oil spill grows off Oman as sanctioned tanker leaks near protected islands
Why it matters: Experts warn monsoon seas could break apart the Caroline Bezengi and release far more than the current slick.
A sanctioned tanker carrying Russian crude is leaking oil off southern Oman, with satellite images showing the spill spreading near Qibliyah Island in the protected Hallaniyat Islands. Analysts who reviewed the imagery said the Caroline Bezengi appears to have a breached hull, and some maritime specialists said the vessel may also be listing. The ship first reported trouble on June 8 near Yemen's port of Mukalla after what maritime security sources described as a possible onboard blast. Ship-tracking data showed it had loaded oil at Novorossiysk before the voyage. Experts warned rough monsoon weather in July and August could widen the slick and raise the risk of the vessel breaking apart, causing broader coastal damage.