A sanctions-hit tanker, the Caroline Bezengi, is leaking oil off the coast of Oman, according to an analysis of satellite imagery and shipping specialists. The tanker, which is subject to European Union and UK sanctions for alleged involvement in carrying Russian fuels, first reported difficulties on June 8 off the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla.
Initial assessments indicated that a blast occurred onboard, and a satellite image from July 28 shows a dark slick in the water near the vessel. The area’s monsoon season, which usually peaks in July and August, can bring severe weather conditions that could rapidly spread the crude oil.
Environmental Concerns
The oil spill has raised concerns about possible environmental damage to coastal areas. Wim Zwijnenburg, a remote-sensing specialist, said that the darker oil slicks indicate that at least one of the hulls of the crude oil storage ship seems now to be breached, and the ship is leaking crude oil.
The U.N.’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) is monitoring the situation closely, and discussions by authorities are ongoing on addressing safety and environmental risks. Russia uses aging, often poorly maintained tankers in its so-called shadow fleet to circumvent Western sanctions on its oil exports.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
