An oil spill off the coast of Oman’s Al-Hallaniyat archipelago nature reserve is threatening marine ecosystems, according to Greenpeace and the Dutch NGO PAX. The spill originated from a grounded tanker, suspected to be the 'Caroline Bezengi', which drifted after being damaged by three explosions of unknown origin on June 6, 2026, according to the maritime security company Vanguard.
The oil slick expanded to this size between July 24 and August 4, 2026, according to satellite images analyzed by Greenpeace.
Satellite imagery from Greenpeace and AFP confirms the oil slick has reached large portions of Al-Qibliyah island, part of the reserve established in 2025. The area contains coral reefs, seagrass beds, and breeding grounds for endangered species including the Oman Sea humpback whale.
It is very worrying, because we are talking about a marine protected area.
Nina Noelle of Greenpeace said the spill threatens sea birds, sea turtles, dolphins, and whale populations. She also noted the vessel has no clearly defined flag, complicating efforts by Omani authorities to identify responsible parties.
The 'Caroline Bezengi' is suspected of being part of the Russian ghost fleet, a network of ships used to circumvent Western sanctions since the war in Ukraine. The last known AIS signal from the vessel dates to June 11, and its identification has not been officially confirmed.
PAX warned of a potential hull breach that could cause a regional environmental catastrophe. Greenpeace reports that oil continues to leak from the vessel. The International Maritime Organization said it would provide assistance to Omani authorities.
