Russian‑Sanctioned Tanker Caroline Bezengi Leaks Oil Near Omani Protected Waters

Satellite imagery from the Copernicus Sentinel‑1 and Sentinel‑2 programmes and analysis by independent experts indicate that the Russian‑sanctioned tanker Caroline Bezengi is likely leaking oil in a protected marine area off the coast of Oman, southwest of al‑Qibliyyah island. The vessel loaded Russian crude in Novorossiysk before sailing south; its last AIS transmission was on 11 June near Yemen and it reported operational difficulties on 8 June off the Yemeni port of Mukalla. The spill appears as a silver‑grey slick covering a cove in Omani waters, as confirmed by specialists from SkyTruth, the Conflict and Environment Observatory and Data Desk.

Caroline Bezengi is listed in shipping databases as owned by Shanghai‑based Rentoor Shipmanagement and is subject to European Union and United Kingdom sanctions for transporting Russian fuel in violation of post‑invasion restrictions. Omani maritime and environmental authorities have not responded to comment requests. The exact cause of the leak remains unclear, with possibilities ranging from mechanical failure to damage from regional conflicts. The incident underscores the environmental risks posed by the aging vessels of Russia’s “shadow fleet”.