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UAE widens beach closures as tanker oil spill grows

By Drooid · Oct 27, 2026, 2:57 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

UAE Closes Beaches

UAE authorities closed Umm Al Quwain beaches as the oil spill from a damaged tanker widened.
Experts say the leak likely originates from the tanker Gem No.2, struck by an unidentified projectile in September.
Sharjah ordered Al Hamriyah Beach closed and Ras Al Khaimah shut all its beaches until further notice.
UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment began an environmental assessment to contain the offshore oil leak.

Summary

Indian Crew Rescued

The Indian consulate in Dubai confirmed on 11 October that all 22 Indian crew members were rescued after the attack.
Gem No.2 flies the Panama flag and is owned by a Taiwan-based company, researcher Wim Zwijnenburg said.
UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a projectile strike on 9 October that sparked a fire aboard the tanker.
Researchers warned the spill threatens dugongs, dolphins, sea turtles and the critically endangered Halavi guitarfish in nearby habitats.

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UAE Closes Beaches

UAE authorities closed Umm Al Quwain beaches as the oil spill from a damaged tanker widened.
Experts say the leak likely originates from the tanker Gem No.2, struck by an unidentified projectile in September.
Sharjah ordered Al Hamriyah Beach closed and Ras Al Khaimah shut all its beaches until further notice.
UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment began an environmental assessment to contain the offshore oil leak.

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