British maritime security company Ambrey has been engaged in the salvage operation of the stricken tanker Caroline Bezengi, which ran aground off the Omani coast on June 30. The tanker, carrying an estimated 800,000 barrels of Russian oil under international sanctions, is currently located near the Hallaniyat Islands within a protected marine nature reserve.
According to Ambrey, salvage vessels are en route and will soon arrive on scene as part of a major international response effort. Specialists from Ambrey have already boarded the vessel along with support from the Royal Air Force of Oman, working to assess conditions and begin stabilizing the ship.
"This is an extremely challenging situation, compounded by adverse weather conditions associated with the Khareef monsoon," said Ed Wollaston, director of global response at Ambrey. The Omani environment agency has reported that a vast oil spill from the leaking tanker is threatening to become one of the world's worst in years, spreading largely unchecked for weeks.
The tanker first reported difficulties off Yemen on June 8 after what maritime sources suggested was an explosion, but no party has claimed responsibility. The vessel is considered part of the so-called shadow fleet used to transport Russian oil and is not insured by a recognized Western insurer, complicating the response efforts.
Environmental Concerns and Response Complexity
The situation is further complicated by the ongoing Khareef monsoon season affecting southern Oman. This annual event triggers heavy mist, drizzles, and intermittent rain, creating particularly challenging conditions for salvage operations. According to John Amos, CEO of environmental nonprofit SkyTruth, if the tanker continues to deteriorate, the spill could potentially reach volumes rivaling the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster.
The spill has already spread across more than 2,000 square kilometers and is reported to have reached Oman's mainland. A leading international oil spill response firm has been contracted by Ambrey to support the operation, with over 100 tons of equipment, along with salvage vessels, aircraft, and specialist personnel mobilized for the effort.
The situation remains fluid as Ambrey and its partners work against time to contain the crisis. The ongoing nature of the response highlights the complexity involved in managing both the immediate safety concerns and long-term environmental impact of such incidents.