Grounded Tanker Caroline Bezengi Sinks Further as Massive Oil Slick Spreads Off Oman

Satellite imagery reviewed by The Associated Press indicates that the sanctioned oil tanker Caroline Bezengi—carrying nearly 1 million barrels of crude—has become more submerged while remaining grounded off Qibliyah Island on Oman’s southwest coast. Reports say oil leaking from the vessel has spread rapidly in recent days and reached the island’s shoreline.

Satellite Analysis and Spill Growth

Environmental groups monitoring the incident say the oil sheen has expanded dramatically. PAX environmental expert Wim Zwijnenburg reported that by Aug. 7 the sheen covered almost 800 square kilometers (309 square miles). Greenpeace Germany’s analysis, based on satellite imagery, shows the spill growing from about 45 sq km on July 26 to roughly 150 sq km by Aug. 2 and to around 600 sq km by Aug. 4.

Satellite imagery analysis suggests a rapid expansion of the oil sheen, a worrying sign of the vessel’s deteriorating condition. — Nina Noelle, Greenpeace Germany

Vessel Background and Local Conditions

The 247-meter (899-foot) Caroline Bezengi has been aground off Qibliyah Island since its crew reported an explosion aboard on June 8. Geospatial tracking data from SynMax Maritime show the ship departed Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk in May. The vessel has been sanctioned by the British government and the European Union and is believed to be associated with Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”; some reports also indicate the owners may be based in Shanghai.

This satellite photo taken Wednesday Aug. 5, 2026, shows the tanker Caroline Bezengi, grounded and partly submerged off the coast of Oman, leaking crude oil into the sea. (Pléiades © CNES 2026, Distribution Airbus DS via AP)(Pléiades © CNES 2026, Distribution Airbus DS via AP)

Satellite images dated Aug. 5 appear to show an oil sheen trailing northeast of the grounded tanker and surrounding nearby rocky shoreline and island waters; the ship looks noticeably more submerged in those images than in photos from July 31. July and August are the region’s peak monsoon months, factors that can complicate containment and salvage efforts by accelerating dispersion and creating hazardous sea conditions.

Environmental Risk and Response

The affected waters lie within an Arabian Sea marine reserve that supports endangered species, including several petrel species and the rare Arabian Sea humpback whale. Greenpeace Germany warned of an “imminent risk of an unprecedented oil disaster” with potentially devastating consequences for regional coastlines and marine ecosystems, and urged immediate containment measures and international assistance if needed.

Omani authorities said they are monitoring the site using satellite imagery, field surveys and technical models, and that teams are ready “to implement necessary procedures” to protect marine life and navigation safety. It was not immediately clear whether officials had physically reached the tanker or whether salvage or leak-stopping operations had begun.

Sources: Associated Press reporting; PAX; Greenpeace Germany; SynMax Maritime; Oman News Agency.