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Satellite images reviewed by The Associated Press show a sanctioned tanker leaking crude oil off the coast of Oman, with experts warning that the vessel could break apart during the region's monsoon season. The tanker, Caroline Bezengi, has been grounded since June after an onboard explosion and is now partly submerged, according to reports from Fox News and The Hindu.

Coverage Comparison

Fox News highlighted the growing oil sheen around Qibliyah Island, part of Oman's protected Hallaniyat Islands, covering roughly 20 square kilometers (about 8 square miles) by late July. The Hindu reported that by August 7, the spill had expanded to nearly 800 square kilometers (309 square miles), citing satellite imagery analysis by Wim Zwijnenburg, an environmental expert with the Dutch organization PAX.

The two outlets also differed in their emphasis. Fox News focused on the vessel being part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to bypass Western sanctions, while The Hindu noted the British and EU sanctions on the ship for carrying Russian oil. Both quoted experts on the risk of a larger spill due to monsoon conditions.

Key Claims

  • Vessel condition and leak growth: The Caroline Bezengi, an 899-foot, Cameroon-flagged tanker, has been stranded off Oman's southern coast since June after its crew reported an onboard explosion. Satellite imagery reviewed by The Associated Press shows the oil sheen expanding in recent days, with the vessel increasingly submerged and listing, as reported by both Fox News and The Hindu.
  • Size of the spill: Fox News reported an oil sheen covering roughly 20 square kilometers around Qibliyah Island, citing satellite images. The Hindu, citing Wim Zwijnenburg of PAX, reported that by August 7 the spill covered nearly 800 square kilometers. The Hindu also quoted Nina Noelle of Greenpeace Germany, who said the spill expanded from 45 square kilometers on July 26 to about 600 square kilometers by August 4.
  • Cargo: The tanker is carrying over 800,000 barrels of Russian crude oil, a claim reported by Fox News and consistent with The Hindu's reference to "nearly a million barrels."
  • Shadow fleet: Both outlets reported the vessel is believed to be part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' used to circumvent Western sanctions. The Hindu noted it has been sanctioned by the British government and the European Union for carrying Russian oil.
  • Monsoon risk: Experts warn that strong winds and rough seas during the monsoon season could cause the vessel to break apart, leading to a much larger spill. This warning was reported by both Fox News and The Hindu.
  • Greenpeace warning: Greenpeace Germany warned of an "imminent risk of an unprecedented oil disaster," as reported by The Hindu, citing the organization's experts.
  • Government response: The Oman government is responding to the incident, according to The Hindu.

Perspectives

Oman government: The government of Oman is responding to the incident, though no specific actions were detailed in the reports.

Environmental experts: Wim Zwijnenburg of PAX warned that the spill is worsening and the vessel could break apart. Nina Noelle of Greenpeace Germany highlighted the rapid expansion of the spill and the threat to a marine protected area hosting endangered wildlife, including petrels and the Arabian Sea humpback whale.

Ship's status and sanctions: The tanker's crew reported an explosion on June 8, the cause not confirmed. It is believed to be part of Russia's 'shadow fleet,' with sanctions imposed by the UK and EU, framing the incident within broader geopolitical tensions.