# UAE oil spill from Gem No 2 tanker

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/uae-oil-spill-from-gem-no-2-tanker
> Updated: 2026-10-25T15:00:29.000Z. Sources: 56. Developments: 2.

A significant oil spill has impacted the coastlines of several United Arab Emirates emirates, including Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah. Authorities have closed multiple beaches in response to the pollution, which has created a slick estimated to be approximately 90 kilometers long.

The spill is linked to the Gem No 2, a Panamanian-flagged tanker owned by a Taiwanese company. While satellite imagery initially showed no leakage following a reported projectile strike and fire on the vessel, signs of a spill emerged in mid-October and expanded rapidly. Satellite imagery from the European Union’s Copernicus network shows the slick widening and approaching the shores of Umm Al Quwain, with dark layers of oil visible at sea and along the coastline.

The incident is believed to be connected to recent regional conflicts involving Iran. The leak threatens critical marine habitats, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows, as well as the habitats of dolphins, sea turtles, and dugongs. Although residents have reported pungent, fuel-like odors, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has stated that there is currently no immediate health risk to the public. Specialized teams are currently engaged in containment, cleaning, and remediation efforts, while the Ministry conducts environmental assessments.

## Claims

- An oil spill is spreading along the coast of the United Arab Emirates. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Beaches in Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah have been closed. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The oil spill is believed to originate from the tanker Gem No. 2. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The tanker was struck by a projectile approximately two weeks ago, causing a fire. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is conducting an environmental assessment. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Gem No. 2 is a 330-meter long tanker flying the Panama flag. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- October has been the worst month for attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The oil spill covers an area of approximately 90 kilometers. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: UAE coast faces expanding oil spill from damaged tanker

An expanding oil spill from the tanker Gem No. 2 has forced beach closures in several UAE emirates, including Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah, amid concerns for marine ecosystems.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oil-spill-from-tanker-gem-no-2-affects-uae-coasts

### 2026-10-23: UAE beaches closed following major oil spill

Beaches in Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah have been closed due to an oil spill linked to the tanker Gem No. 2, following a suspected attack on the vessel.

47 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-arab-emirates-closes-beaches-following-oil-spill

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Cite as: UAE oil spill from Gem No 2 tanker. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/uae-oil-spill-from-gem-no-2-tanker