Caroline Bezengi oil spill reaches Oman’s coast

Oil from the Caroline Bezengi tanker that ran aground off Oman has now reached land, including several beaches in Ras Madrakah. Oman’s Environment Authority said satellite monitoring and modeling were being used to track the spread, while field teams worked to contain its movement in sensitive areas. According to the International Maritime Organization, the oil was carried northeast by currents from around Sharbithat and has reached parts of the shoreline. Earlier this week, Oman estimated the contaminated area had expanded to about 390 square kilometers, stretching from the Hallaniyat Islands. The ship has been grounded since June 30 after the crew reported an explosion. The monsoon season has hampered access to the vessel and delayed response operations.