Oman ramps up oil spill response after tanker runs aground

Oman’s Environment Authority (EA) is stepping up monitoring and response efforts following an oil spill from a grounded vessel near Al Qibliyah Island, part of the Hallaniyat Islands archipelago in Dhofar Governorate.

The authority said it is conducting environmental surveys and monitoring operations in coordination with relevant agencies to assess the spill and limit its impact on sensitive coastal areas, Muscat Daily reports.

Technical monitoring systems, satellite imagery and numerical models are being used to track the movement and spread of oil slicks and forecast areas that could be affected.

Initial monitoring has found oil pollution on several beaches in the Ras Madrakah area. Current models indicate that the affected coastline could extend for up to 40 kilometres.

The data also suggest that the southern coast of Masirah Island could be affected in the coming hours, with a potentially impacted stretch of between 10 and 20 kilometres.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is also monitoring the incident and assessing potential impacts on the marine environment. As a precaution, the Food Safety Quality Centre is collecting and testing seafood samples from products sold in local markets to ensure they meet approved health and safety standards.

Authorities have urged fishermen and beachgoers to follow official instructions and report any unusual oil slicks, unfamiliar odors in the water or significant changes in marine life. Fishing should be avoided in areas where such signs are observed.

The Environment Authority has also warned the public not to approach, touch or handle oil-contaminated materials and urged anyone who encounters them to immediately notify the relevant authorities.

Specialized teams are continuing efforts to contain the pollution and minimize its environmental impact, with priority given to ecologically sensitive areas. Authorities said further updates would be issued through official channels.

By Vafa Guliyeva