Struck Tanker Sends 22 Miles of Oil to UAE Shores
UAE authorities closed coastal zones after satellite imagery confirmed a spreading slick from the Gem No. 2, which was hit by a projectile in October.
By Christopher Richardson ·
A crude oil tanker struck near the Strait of Hormuz has leaked a slick that now stretches more than 35 kilometers along the United Arab Emirates coast. Authorities closed beaches and coastal areas as the spill expanded rapidly over two days.
Satellite images from Monday showed the early stages of the leak from the Gem No. 2. By Wednesday, the slick extended over 22 miles from the vessel. Radar data reviewed by BBC Verify and MAIAR indicated the spill grew quickly after a smaller leak was visible on October 19.
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment stated that it immediately began containment efforts to limit environmental impacts. Verified video from Friday showed oil washing ashore near Umm Al Quwain, turning the water black. The ministry confirmed that beaches in the northern city were being affected.
The slick moves toward Siniyah and Khor Al Beidah islands, a designated Key Biodiversity Area. These habitats include corals, seagrasses, and saltmarshes. The area is home to green turtles and the critically endangered Halavi guitarfish. Eoghan Darbyshire of the Conflict and Environment Observatory identified the proximity to this zone as the most concerning environmental angle.
Vanguard, a maritime intelligence firm, reported that the Panama-flagged Gem No. 2 was struck by an unknown projectile on October 9. The hit occurred just north of Al Jazeera Al Hamra and started a fire that was later extinguished. Iranian state media said the vessel was attempting to leave the strait by an unauthorized and dangerous route. The Indian consulate in Dubai announced on October 11 that all 22 Indian crew members had been rescued.
Security experts told BBC Verify that the strikes were part of an Iranian effort to assert control over the waterway. This followed the US military escorting more vessels through the strait. Commercial ships have faced attacks from both sides during the conflict. In August, a similar large oil slick reached the shores of Iran's Qeshm Island, threatening local wildlife and fishing communities.
Source: BBC News
