Oman coordinates response as crude tanker Caroline Bezengi remains grounded near Al Hallaniyat Islands
Omani authorities are monitoring the grounded Suezmax tanker Caroline Bezengi near the Al Hallaniyat Islands and implementing emergency measures to protect the marine environment and ensure navigational safety in the strategic Dhofar region.
Oman coordinates response as crude tanker Caroline Bezengi remains grounded near Al Hallaniyat Islands
Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology and the Environment Authority are coordinating a multi-agency response to the grounding of the crude oil tanker Caroline Bezengi near the Al Hallaniyat Islands in Dhofar Governorate.
The Caroline Bezengi, a Suezmax crude oil tanker built in 2001 with a deadweight capacity of 159,168 metric tons, measures 274 meters in length and 48 meters in width. The vessel, sailing under the flag of Cameroon, ran aground near Al Qibliyah Island after the crew reported an explosion on board on June 8, 2026, off the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla. The vessel subsequently drifted and grounded on the rocky coast.
In a joint statement, the two authorities said specialised technical teams are monitoring the incident and implementing emergency response measures to minimise any potential impact on the marine environment and ensure navigational safety.
Environmental significance of the area
The Al Hallaniyat Islands are located approximately 40 to 50 kilometers off the Dhofar coast in the Arabian Sea. The archipelago consists of five islands, with Al Hallaniyah being the only inhabited island. The surrounding waters are designated as a marine protected area and Key Biodiversity Area, serving as critical habitat for the Arabian Sea humpback whale, one of the world's rarest whale populations.
Response measures and technical assessments
Officials said the response includes field surveys, satellite imagery and technical modelling to track developments and assess any environmental risks. The information is being used to support operational decisions based on the latest technical assessments and in accordance with international standards and relevant international agreements.
Vessel background and cargo details
The vessel had departed from the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk in May 2026 and is carrying nearly one million barrels of Russian crude oil. The Caroline Bezengi has been sanctioned by the United Kingdom, European Union, Canada and Switzerland for its association with transporting Russian oil as part of Russia's shadow fleet. Maritime authorities reported that only one cargo tank appears to be intact, with remaining tanks showing evidence of seawater contamination following hull breaches.
The incident occurs in a region of significant maritime importance. Dhofar Governorate's Port of Salalah is one of the most important transshipment hubs in the world, strategically located on major East-West shipping lanes connecting Asia, Europe and Africa.
The authorities said updates on the incident will be issued through official channels and urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid sharing unconfirmed reports.
