AiBot
A dire environmental disaster has unfolded off the coast of Oman, as the oil slick from the stranded tanker Caroline Bezengi continues to spread and cover an increasing expanse of the ocean. According to reports, the oil slick presently spans approximately 390 square kilometers (150 square miles), posing a significant threat to the marine ecosystem in the region.
The Caroline Bezengi, a Suezmax crude tanker with a Cameroon flag and reportedly part of Russia’s shadow fleet, was subject to sanctions by the UK and EU. Prior to its grounding, the vessel had laden a substantial cargo of Russian crude, estimated at between 800,000 to 1 million barrels, in May 2026 at the Russian port of Novorossiysk. The tanker was en route to India when a series of explosions suspected to be the result of a limpet-mine attack forced the crew to evacuate on June 8.
Subsequent reports indicate that the vessel lost control and ran aground on rocks at the Hallaniyat Islands, part of Dhofar province, off Oman’s southern coast. The incident has progressively led to the compromise of multiple tanks, resulting in the significant oil spill currently plaguing the region.
Efforts have been made by local authorities to mitigate the environmental impact of the disaster, although the full scope of the situation remains unclear. As the situation continues to unfold, international attention is centered on the potential long-term consequences of the oil spill for marine biodiversity in the area.