Spill Occurs Near a Nature Reserve
The damaged vessel is located approximately seven kilometers from the coast. The oil slick is spreading northeast of the Hallaniyat Islands, an area that forms part of a protected nature reserve.
The region is home to rare marine species and seabirds, including Arabian humpback whales and Socotra cormorants. Environmental experts warn that if the oil reaches shallow waters and the coastline, it could have serious consequences for local wildlife and marine habitats.
Experts Assess the Scale of the Pollution
Greenpeace previously estimated that the oil slick could cover an area of around 600 square kilometers. Satellite imagery has also indicated that the contamination continued to spread several weeks after the incident.
Experts say that an oil spill of this scale requires the use of containment booms and oil-recovery equipment, as well as aerial application of dispersants where appropriate, to prevent the pollution from reaching the shore or sinking to the seabed.
Damaged Tanker Remains a Potential Source of Pollution
According to maritime experts, the tanker was damaged in June. Preliminary reports indicated that an explosion may have occurred on board, although no official explanation for the incident has been provided.
Experts have also raised concerns about the apparent lack of visible response activity around the vessel. If the damaged tanker is not stabilized and the remaining cargo is not removed, there is a risk of further pollution and a potentially much larger spill.
Omani authorities said they were taking measures to contain and clean up the spill. At the same time, they reported that there was currently no identified threat to nearby facilities, including desalination plants and tourism infrastructure.
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