Satellite images show evidence of oil leak spreading from sanctioned vessel near Oman

A sanctioned tanker loaded with crude is leaving a growing trail of oil in protected waters off the coast of Oman, according to newly reviewed satellite images, as experts warn the stranded vessel could break apart during the region's rough monsoon season.Satellite images reviewed by The Associated Press show an oil sheen covering roughly 20 square kilometers, or about 8 square miles, around Dhofar's Qibliyah Island, part of Oman's protected Hallaniyat Islands.Dark patches of crude have also reached the shoreline.

Experts say the leak has worsened in recent days, fueling fears that rough weather could trigger a much larger spill."The last few days, the imagery indicates an increase in oil coming out, as the size of the sheen is growing," Wim Zwijnenburg, an environmental expert with the Dutch peace organization PAX, told the AP.REPORT WARNS RUSSIA USING SHADOW FLEET TO PROBE NATO DRONE DEFENSESThis satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows crude oil leaking and spreading from the sanctioned Suezmax tanker Caroline Bezengi grounded off the coast of Oman, on Friday, July 31, 2026.(Planet Labs PBC via AP)He said the biggest risk is that the vessel could break apart as strong winds and rough seas during the annual monsoon season continue to pound the ship's hull.The 899-foot, Cameroon-flagged Caroline Bezengi has been stranded off Oman's southern coast since June after its crew reported an onboard explosion, according to maritime news outlets.

Reuters, citing maritime security sources, reported the vessel first ran into trouble on June 8 near the Yemeni port of Mukalla, where initial assessments suggested a blast may have occurred.The cause has not been confirmed.This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows crude oil leaking and spreading from the sanctioned Suezmax tanker Caroline Bezengi grounded at Qibliyah Island, off the coast of Oman, on Friday, July 31, 2026.

(Planet Labs PBC via AP)Ship-tracking data reviewed by Reuters showed the tanker had loaded Russia...