International Salvage Operation Underway to Prevent Oil Spill from Tanker
A major salvage operation is currently in progress to prevent oil from leaking from a tanker that ran aground off the coast of Oman on June 30th.
Oman’s military is collaborating with various international experts to stabilize the ship, which is at risk of contaminating nearby nature reserves.
The tanker, carrying 800,000 barrels of sanctioned Russian crude oil en route to India, became stranded under unclear circumstances. This vessel, 24 years old, has previously transported oil from Europe, Canada, and Ukraine, often at prices exceeding the caps set by the G7 countries following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Compounding the situation, the ship reportedly experienced an explosion off the coast of Yemen on June 8, leading to suspicions of an attack by Iranian-backed Houthi militants. Although it was in the Red Sea during the incident, the assailants have not claimed responsibility.
On June 10, the ship’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) stopped transmitting, though the reason remains unclear. There are speculations that the equipment may have been damaged, or perhaps the crew was fearful of further attacks. Shutting off the AIS and navigating in the dark is a strategy often used by vessels involved in illicit trade.
After limping along for weeks, the tanker became stuck on Al Qibriya Island, part of the protected Al Haraniyat archipelago. This area is home to rare coral, sea turtles, and migratory birds, and it supports one of the largest populations of humpback whales in the world.
Omani environmental officials have stated that the tanker is leaking crude oil. Recent satellite imagery indicates that the oil spill has spread over an area of more than 1,200 square miles, threatening roughly 40 miles of coastline.
Additionally, there are concerns that the ship is sinking, with increasing pressure on its hull potentially leading to further oil spills. The seasonal Kharif monsoon complicates matters, bringing rough seas, high winds, rain, and fog, which could worsen the situation.
The U.K.-based maritime security firm Ambry has joined the international recovery effort, sending additional salvage vessels and engaging in discussions with major oil spill response organizations.
According to Ambry, specialized personnel, supported by the Royal Air Force of Oman, have already boarded the vessel to evaluate conditions and begin stabilizing the cargo and ship.
Ed Wollaston, Director of Global Relations at Ambry, remarked on the difficulty of the operation, exacerbated by the adverse weather conditions linked to the monsoon. However, he noted that leading experts have been deployed and necessary support equipment, including aircraft and vessels, has been mobilized.
The legal status of the ship adds another layer of complexity to the salvage effort, with its situation remaining ambiguous.
Reuters reported that the tanker is “not insured by a recognized Western insurance company,” and international organizations like the IOPC Foundation are hesitant to participate, considering the incident could be classified as an “act of war.”
