Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Spill Reaches Oman Beaches Amid Monsoon Paralysis

A massive 400-square-kilometer oil spill from the stranded shadow fleet tanker Caroline Bezengi reaches the mainland coast of Oman, severely hampered by regional monsoon conditions.

Tragedy in a Tourist Paradise

A black slick spanning 400 square kilometers threatens one of the most popular holiday destinations. Crude oil leaking from the immobilized shadow fleet tanker Caroline Bezengi is reaching the continental part of Oman, while rescue operations are drastically paralyzed by the raging monsoon in the region and registered owners evade all responsibility.

Massive Leak off the Coast of Oman

Oil leaking from the grounded tanker Caroline Bezengi is reaching Oman, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) reported on Wednesday. The shadow fleet tanker was carrying 800,000 barrels of Russian oil when it was attacked off the coast of Yemen in June.

Monsoon Hampers Operations

The oil slick is drifting in a northeastern direction from Jazirat al-Kiblijja Island in the Arabian Sea and is likely reaching continental Oman. The monsoon has restricted access to the vessel and delayed rescue operations, an IMO spokesperson said, adding that the agency is closely monitoring the leak.

Explosion off the Coast of Yemen

The Western-sanctioned tanker was heading with a cargo of oil through the Suez Canal to Asia when it reported trouble off the Yemeni coast on June 8. Two maritime security sources stated that preliminary assessments indicate an onboard explosion, according to Reuters.

Lack of Accountability

None of the parties to the ongoing conflict in the region have claimed responsibility for the attack. So far, there is no indication that the registered owners of the Caroline Bezengi have accepted responsibility for cleanup under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Russian Shadow Fleet Lacks Insurance

The Cameroon-flagged tanker is likely underinsured. Russian tankers from the so-called shadow fleet often operate without any insurance and rely on fake insurance certificates, reported industry portal Maritime Executive.