Massive Oil Spill Off Oman’s Hallaniyat Islands

The 274-metre tanker Caroline Bezengi ran aground near Oman’s al-Qibliyyah Island in early June 2026 after its crew reported an explosion on June 8 while sailing off Yemen. Loaded with close to one million barrels of Russian crude bound for Asia, the vessel began leaking oil that spread toward the Hallaniyat archipelago, a protected marine reserve established in 2023. By August 10, 2026 the Omani government confirmed the slick covered almost 400 sq km (150 sq mi) and was within 7 km (4.4 mi) of the coast.

Russian oil spill from tanker off Oman pollutes nearly 400 square kilometers

The Caroline Bezengi is part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” ageing tankers that lack Western insurance and often sail under flags of convenience. Listed under the Cameroon flag, it was removed from that registry in June 2026 and is subject to EU, UK, Canadian, Swiss and Ukrainian sanctions. Ownership is recorded as Rentoor Shipmanagement Ltd, with Villar Shipmanagement Ltd as manager; both are believed to be based in China.

ReutersOman oil spill from grounded tanker spreads across 400km2 An oil spill from a tanker carrying Russian oil has polluted nearly 400 km² off the coast of Oman United24 MediaThe National NewsRussian oil spill from tanker off Oman pollutes nearly 400 square kilometers Al Jazeera (website)The HinduSanctioned Oil Tanker Carrying 1 Million Barrels Of Oil Sinks Off Oman Associated Press

• Oil volume: ~1 million barrels.

Reuters

• Area of spill (chronology):

Associated Press

• July 26: 45 km² (17 sq mi).

Oman working to contain spill from grounded oil tanker

• August 2: 150 km² (58 sq mi).

Oman working to contain spill from grounded oil tanker

• August 4: ~600 km² (232 sq mi).

Oman working to contain spill from grounded oil tanker

• August 7: nearly 800 km² (309 sq mi) per PAX expert Wim Zwijnenburg.

Leaking grounded oil tanker off Oman sinks further

• Proximity to shore: nearest point ~7 km (4.4 mi) from Oman’s southern coastline.

The National News

• Environmental stakes: the islands host coral reefs, turtle nesting sites, Arabian Sea humpback whales and Socotra cormorants.

Oil spill spreads across Oman’s coastal waters

A transport-ministry official told Oman News Agency that authorities were conducting aerial surveillance, deploying divers and planning to transfer the cargo to reduce navigational and environmental risks. The agency added that response teams were ready “to implement necessary procedures” to protect marine life and navigation safety.

Oman working to contain spill from grounded oil tanker

• Area estimates: Omani authorities cite ~390 km², Greenpeace’s satellite analysis places the slick at ~600 km², and PAX’s latest figures reach nearly 800 km².

Leaking grounded oil tanker off Oman sinks further

• Cause of damage: No party has claimed responsibility for the June 8 explosion; officials have not identified a definitive cause.

Associated Press

• Salvage status: It remains unclear whether response teams have reached the grounded vessel or begun salvage operations, despite a July 23 order for the owners to remove the tanker and its cargo.

Sanctioned tanker sinks further off Oman as oil spill spreads

• “Over the past few days the images show more and more oil coming out, since the surface of the slick keeps growing,” — Vim Zvajnenburg, PAX.

Leaking grounded oil tanker off Oman sinks further