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UAE closes beaches after 35-km oil spill from Gem No.2

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 10:59 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

UAE Authorities Contain Spill

UAE authorities reported an oil spill from the tanker Gem No.2 off Umm Al Quwain’s coast.
The slick spread more than 35 km from the tanker by Wednesday, according to satellite images.
UAE officials closed nearby beaches and began containment and clean-up operations.
Brent crude rose to $115.16 a barrel, its highest since May 4, after the spill.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude increased to $101.27 a barrel, up $1.80.

Summary

Iranian Drone Strike

International maritime agencies attribute the Gem No.2 leak to a suspected Iranian drone strike on October 9-10.
Twenty-two Indian crew members were rescued from the 330-metre supertanker after the attack.
Windward’s drift model predicts the slick could reach Sharjah and Ajman desalination intakes by October 22-23.
Marine biologists warn prolonged exposure may harm nearby mangroves and seabird feeding grounds.

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UAE Authorities Contain Spill

UAE authorities reported an oil spill from the tanker Gem No.2 off Umm Al Quwain’s coast.
The slick spread more than 35 km from the tanker by Wednesday, according to satellite images.
UAE officials closed nearby beaches and began containment and clean-up operations.
Brent crude rose to $115.16 a barrel, its highest since May 4, after the spill.
U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude increased to $101.27 a barrel, up $1.80.

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