Story perspectives

Sanctioned Tanker Leak Spills 1 Million Barrels, 800 km Slick

8/8/2026

Summary

Caroline Bezengi Leaks

The grounded Suezmax tanker Caroline Bezengi, sanctioned, began leaking 1 million barrels of crude, creating a slick now covering 800 sq km off Qibliyah Island.
Satellite images show the slick grew from 45 sq km on July 26 to 600 sq km by August 4, with a long sheen along the island’s shores.
Oman’s government said it is monitoring the spill with satellite data, noting Greenpeace Germany’s warning of an oil disaster threatening a marine protected area.

Summary

Oman Salvage Stalled

Omani authorities hired a salvage firm that proposes a 1,000-yard pipeline off-load, yet legal hurdles have stalled the plan.
Owner Rentoor Shipmanagement Ltd has not replied to Omani requests, blocking salvage consent.
Manager Villar Shipmanagement Ltd is also silent, leaving officials without authority to start off-loading.
The tanker, sanctioned by the EU, UK and US and linked to Russian state shipowner Sovcomflot, has breached tanks that raise explosion risk.

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Caroline Bezengi Leaks

The grounded Suezmax tanker Caroline Bezengi, sanctioned, began leaking 1 million barrels of crude, creating a slick now covering 800 sq km off Qibliyah Island.
Satellite images show the slick grew from 45 sq km on July 26 to 600 sq km by August 4, with a long sheen along the island’s shores.
Oman’s government said it is monitoring the spill with satellite data, noting Greenpeace Germany’s warning of an oil disaster threatening a marine protected area.

1 / 2