Kathmandu— Oman is working to contain a large oil spill originating from the tanker Caroline Bezengi, which has been stranded for over a month in a protected marine area off its southern coast. The spill, estimated at almost 400 square kilometers (150 square miles) as of Monday, poses a significant threat to sensitive ecosystems including coral reefs and turtle nesting areas. Authorities are developing plans to transfer the vessel’s oil cargo in an effort to mitigate risks and protect the marine environment after an explosion rocked the ship in early June near al-Qibliyyah Island. The tanker is suspected of being part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to bypass Western sanctions on its oil exports.

Extent of the Spill and Environmental Concerns

The oil slick currently extends approximately 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) from Oman’s coastline, according to analysis by the Oman Environment Authority. Greenpeace estimates the spill covers around 600 square kilometers (230 square miles), based on satellite imagery. The affected area includes the Hallaniyat archipelago, a marine reserve established last year to protect biodiversity and sensitive ecosystems home to diverse marine life, including rare sea turtles. Authorities have stressed the need for rapid action to safeguard coral reefs, turtle nesting areas, and other ecologically important coastal habitats.

Vessel History and Incident Details

The Caroline Bezengi loaded at Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk in April and transited the Suez Canal in late May, according to ship-tracking data. The vessel became stranded near Oman’s al-Qibliyyah Island after an explosion caused water ingress into multiple sections of the ship early in June. Omani authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident.

Response and Mitigation Efforts

Oman's Transport Ministry has deployed aerial surveillance and divers to assess the situation and formulate a response plan. The primary focus is on transferring the vessel’s oil cargo to reduce risks, ensure navigational safety, and protect the marine environment. An official with the ministry stated that authorities are in the early stages of developing this transfer plan.

Shadow Fleet and Sanctions

The Caroline Bezengi is believed to be part of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet,’ a network of vessels used to circumvent Western sanctions on Russian oil exports. These ships often sail under various flags to conceal ownership, and the fleet has raised concerns about maintenance, insurance, and safety standards. The tanker is currently subject to sanctions imposed by the European Union, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Switzerland. Greenpeace and Dutch peace organisation PAX have warned that the spill is on the verge of causing an ‘environmental disaster,’ estimating the vessel was carrying around one million barrels of crude oil destined for Asia.

Omani authorities continue to monitor the situation and implement measures to contain the spread of the oil slick, with a focus on protecting the vulnerable marine ecosystems in the Hallaniyat archipelago.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.