UN warns oil spill from stranded tanker nears Omani island
A UN agency has warned that a major oil slick is approaching Oman’s Qibliyah Island after the Caroline B stranded, raising environmental concerns.
Key Takeaways
AIA United Nations agency has issued warnings over an oil spill from the stranded tanker Caroline B approaching Qibliyah Island in Oman, amid growing fears of potential environmental impacts in the region.
The agency said the tanker, carrying one million barrels of Russian oil, first reported trouble on June 8 while off the coast of Yemen.
Two maritime security sources indicated that initial assessments suggest an explosion occurred on board the stranded vessel, which was en route to Asia.
Meanwhile, an international maritime organization reported that strong winds are hampering access to the stranded tanker near Oman’s coast, delaying rescue efforts.
The oil spill has created a slick estimated at around 400 square kilometers, with ongoing concerns about the worsening crisis, especially as the ship is subject to European sanctions.