A sanctioned oil tanker, reportedly carrying Russian fuel, is believed to be leaking crude oil off the coast of Oman, based on analysis of satellite imagery and expert assessments. The vessel, identified as the Caroline Bezansi, was observed to have a significant slick in a protected marine area.
Ship tracking data indicates the tanker loaded Russian oil in Novorossiysk before commencing its latest journey. Its last publicly broadcast signal was detected on June 11, off the coast of Yemen. Satellite images captured between July 2 and July 13 by Copernicus Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 satellites revealed a silver and grey slick covering waters southwest of al-Qibliyyah island.
Three independent specialists, John Amos of SkyTruth, Leon Moreland of the Conflict and Environment Observatory, and Louis Goddard of Data Desk, have reviewed the satellite imagery and concluded that it appears to show an oil spill. Reuters also reviewed a video depicting the Caroline Bezansi near al-Qibliyyah island, though the date of the footage could not be independently verified.
The owner of the tanker, listed in shipping databases as Shanghai-based Rentoor Shipmanagement, was unreachable for comment. The Oman Maritime Security Centre and Oman's Environment Authority have not yet responded to requests for information.
Russia frequently utilizes older tankers, part of its "shadow fleet," to circumvent Western sanctions on its oil exports. The cause of the leak remains undetermined; possibilities include mechanical failure, damage from a potential attack by Ukraine, which has previously targeted Russian-linked vessels, or fallout from regional conflicts in the Gulf. The tanker had previously reported difficulties on June 8 near the Yemeni port of Mukalla, with one maritime security source confirming a spill and stating the cause was unclear.
The European Union and Britain have previously imposed sanctions on the Caroline Bezansi for its alleged involvement in transporting fuel from Russia.
