Containment operations are currently underway off the coast of Oman following the grounding of the oil tanker Caroline Bezengi, which has already impacted approximately 12 kilometers of coastline near the Al Hallaniyat Islands. Omani officials report that salvage efforts are being severely hindered by the region’s harsh khareef season weather. With wind speeds reaching 40 knots and waves climbing to four meters, maritime teams are struggling to navigate the shallow, rocky waters surrounding the vessel. To address the crisis, authorities have partnered with the risk management firm Ambrey to deploy specialized pollution-control equipment, including rubber booms and chemical dispersants, though current conditions make reaching the site exceptionally hazardous.

Beyond the weather, responders are facing significant technical hurdles due to the precarious state of the tanker itself. The vessel lacks a reliable power source, and unstable work areas covered in oil and seawater have made the ship unsafe for crews. According to Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rawahi, Director General of Maritime Affairs, the immediate priority is to secure a safe working environment, which includes conducting gas measurements and setting up external power generators before any oil transfer can begin. The Caroline Bezengi, which ran aground on June 30 carrying nearly 800,000 barrels of Russian oil, had previously reported damage consistent with an explosion, leaving officials to balance urgent environmental containment with complex safety protocols.