International Salvage Teams Race Against Monsoon Conditions as Caroline Bezengi Oil Spill Reaches Oman Coastline

A major international salvage operation is underway off the coast of Oman to stabilise the stricken oil tanker Caroline Bezengi and contain an oil spill that has begun washing ashore. As severe monsoon conditions threaten rescue efforts, British maritime company Ambrey stated on Thursday that its teams are working continuously to address the grounding, which occurred on June 30 near the Hallaniyat Islands in Oman's Dhofar region.

Specialist personnel, supported by the Royal Air Force of Oman, have boarded the vessel to assess its condition and begin stabilization work. The operation utilizes aircraft, salvage vessels, and over 100 tonnes of specialized equipment, alongside an international oil-spill response company contracted for the mission.

“This is an extremely challenging situation, compounded by adverse weather conditions associated with the Khareef monsoon,” said Ed Wollaston, Ambrey's director of global response, noting that teams are deploying leading experts and necessary resources around the clock.

The 274-metre crude oil tanker was carrying approximately 800,000 barrels of Russian crude subject to international sanctions, traveling from Russia toward India when it encountered severe issues off Yemen. Maritime sources indicated an explosion may have occurred on board, though no group has claimed responsibility. The vessel subsequently grounded near Qibliyah Island in the Hallaniyat archipelago, an ecologically sensitive area supporting Arabian Sea humpback whales, Socotra cormorants, and other wildlife.

Oman's Environment Authority confirmed that oil has reached the mainland, with a slick covering more than 2,000 square kilometres that threatens roughly 40 kilometres of coastline near Ras Madrakah and potentially Masirah Island. With the tanker sinking deeper into the water, concerns are growing over a potential major spill if the hull fails during the hazardous Khareef season conditions. Ambrey continues to coordinate closely with Omani authorities, including the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the Environment Authority, and the Royal Air Force of Oman.