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Oil spills from tankers attacked by Iran in Hormuz reach UAE coastline, report says

By · Via Middle East Eye · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The contamination has disrupted coastal communities, forcing beach closures across three emirates and prompting official advisories for local fishermen to halt work. Environmental specialists caution that regional marine wildlife, including dolphins and sea turtles, faces severe risks from the spreading slicks. Cleanup operations coordinated by federal ministries are underway as monitoring services track substantial spill coverage throughout the surrounding waters. Satellite surveillance recently confirmed slicks near Ras Al Khaimah, while tracking data logged a massive 2,000-square-kilometre incident off Oman's coast.

Key points

  • Local fishermen have been instructed to stay away from the affected waters while cleanup…: Local fishermen have been instructed to stay away from the affected waters while cleanup operations continue.
  • Marine species including turtles, dolphins, and seabirds face severe environmental danger…: Marine species including turtles, dolphins, and seabirds face severe environmental dangers from the toxic slicks.
  • Satellite imagery confirmed significant contamination, including a spill spanning 2,000 s…: Satellite imagery confirmed significant contamination, including a spill spanning 2,000 square kilometres off the coast of Oman.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

Oil spills from tankers attacked by Iran near the Strait of Hormuz have reached the UAE coastline, prompting beach closures in three emirates and raising concerns about marine life, the Financial Times reported.

The first spill to reach the coast left dark slicks along beaches, with authorities closing affected areas in Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. The UAE environment ministry said it was coordinating cleanup operations and urged fishermen to avoid polluted areas.

Marine monitor Windward recorded 12 spills between July and September, including one that spread across an area of 2,000 square kilometres off Oman. Satellite imagery also showed an oil slick near Ras Al Khaimah. Experts warned that turtles, dolphins, seabirds and other marine species could be affected.

Authorities have not identified the leaking vessel, but marine security experts cited by the FT said it was the Chinese-owned supertanker Gem No. 2, hit off Sharjah more than two weeks ago.

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