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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 14, 2026Miami-Dade

British firm begins salvage of grounded tanker Caroline Bezengi off Oman coast

A British maritime response company has been hired to stabilize the grounded Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker Caroline Bezengi and contain an oil spill that has reached the Omani shoreline. The vessel, which carries an estimated 800,000 barrels of oil, has been leaking since an explosion in early June, threatening a marine protected area during the monsoon season.

oil spillenvironmental disastermaritime salvageOmanshadow fleetmarine conservation
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Why It Matters

The spill threatens critical marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and endangered species, while the remote location and monsoon weather complicate containment efforts that could impact coastal sediments for years.

Key Facts

  • The Caroline Bezengi tanker is grounded off Qabiliyah Island, Oman, following an explosion in early June.
  • The vessel is estimated to carry over 800,000 barrels of oil.
  • The oil spill has reached the shores of Ras Madrakah, over 200 kilometers north of the grounding site.
  • Authorities estimate the spill could reach Masirah Island, another 100 kilometers further north.
  • The salvage operation is being conducted by the UK firm Ambrey with assistance from the Omani air force.
  • The area is a marine protected zone containing coral reefs, seagrass, and endangered turtles.
  • The vessel is part of a 'shadow fleet' sanctioned by the UK and EU.
  • The tanker is 247 meters (899 feet) long, unflagged, and of unknown insurance status.
  • Salvage efforts are currently hindered by the 'Khareef' monsoon season.

Who's Mentioned

locationOman“Country where the spill is occurring”personEd Wollaston“Ambrey global response director”otherCaroline Bezengi“Grounded Russian shadow fleet tanker”other899“Length of the tanker in feet”organizationGreenpeace“Environmental group monitoring the spill”personHanen Keskes“Greenpeace campaigner”organizationAmbrey“UK-based maritime risk and response company hired for salvage”other247“Length of the tanker in meters”