Oman fights to contain vast spill from stricken tanker near protected reefs

Oman is scrambling to contain a large oil spill off its southern coast from the tanker Caroline Bezengi, reportedly part of Russia’s shadow fleet, which has been stranded for over a month in a protected marine area. The slick covers roughly 400 sq km (with Greenpeace estimating about 600 sq km) near the Hallaniyat archipelago, home to a marine reserve protecting reefs and sea turtles. Authorities are aerially monitoring, deploying divers, and planning to transfer the oil cargo to reduce risk and safeguard biodiversity while the cause remains undetermined and the vessel remains under sanctions scrutiny.