Leaking tanker off Omani coast is sinking deeper, satellite images show

BEIRUT (AP) — Satellite images reviewed by The Associated Press show that a sanctioned tanker carrying nearly a million barrels of oil appears to be increasingly submerged in water off the coast of Oman, where it has been grounded for weeks, while leaking more oil into the surrounding sea. The tanker's crew reported an explosion on board on June 8, according to media reports. The 247-meter (899-foot) Caroline Bezengi has been grounded off Qibliyah Island in southwest Oman for two months. It is believed to be part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' and has been sanctioned by the British government and the European Union for carrying Russian oil. Crude oil has been leaking and spreading quickly in recent days from the tanker Caroline Bezengi, reaching the shores of Qibliyah Island off Oman's southwest coast. By Aug. 7, the spill was covering nearly 800 square kilometers (309 square miles), according to Wim Zwijnenburg, an environmental expert for PAX. Greenpeace Germany's Nina Noelle said the spill covered 45 square kilometers (17 square miles) up until July 26, then expanded to around 150 square kilometers (58 square miles) by Aug. 2, and by Aug. 4 extended across roughly 600 square kilometers (232 square miles). Satellite images from Aug. 5 show an oil sheen trailing northeast and surrounding the island; the vessel appears partly submerged, noticeably more so than on a photo taken on July 31. Greenpeace Germany warned Wednesday of an imminent risk of an unprecedented oil disaster, urging Oman to request international assistance if needed. On Thursday, Oman's government said it was responding; via the Oman News Agency, it said authorities were observing with satellite images, field surveys, and technical models, with teams ready to implement necessary procedures. The oil spill affects a protected area that is host to endangered wildlife, including the rare Arabian Sea humpback whale.