Oman says tanker salvage, oil spill clean-up hampered by weather and technical challenges

TDT | Manama

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Salvage and oil spill clean-up efforts off Oman's coast are being hampered by rough weather, monsoon conditions and the shallow, rocky seabed, authorities said.

Oman is working with risk-management company Ambrey to contain the spill from the Caroline Bezengi, which ran aground on June 30 near a protected marine reserve. The tanker was carrying an estimated 800,000 barrels of Russian crude.

The spill has reached Oman's coastline and spread around the reserve, which is home to humpback whales and Socotra cormorants. Oman's Environment Authority estimated the affected area at 400 sq km on August 10, while other estimates have reached 2,000 sq km.