Oman says oil spill from stricken tanker has reached its coast
An oil spill from the tanker Caroline Bezengi has reached Oman's mainland, polluting up to 40 kilometers of coastline in Ras Madrakah. The tanker has been leaking crude since running aground off Oman in June. Oil is also expected to reach Masirah Island, affecting an additional 10-20 kilometers of coastline. Omani environmental authorities are conducting monitoring and response operations to limit the spread and impact of the pollution, prioritizing environmentally sensitive areas. The spill, previously measured at nearly 400 square kilometers, is concentrated around the Hallaniyat archipelago, a marine reserve. The Caroline Bezengi, which sailed under the flag of Cameroon, is identified by Western governments as part of Russia's shadow fleet.