Severe Weather Hampers Rescue of Stranded Oil Tanker Off Oman

The Sultanate of Oman announced that severe weather conditions and operational challenges are impeding efforts to rescue the oil tanker "Caroline Bisinger," which ran aground off its coast, causing an oil spill within a protected marine area. Mohammed Al-Rawahi, Director General of Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, stated that strong winds and high waves during the monsoon season have made safe access to the vessel extremely difficult. Additionally, shallow waters, the rocky nature of the area, and a lack of accurate hydrographic data further complicate rescue operations. Al-Rawahi added that the ship is stuck on a rocky area and is listing by approximately 17 degrees, which has led to a significant portion of one side being submerged in water, thus exacerbating the difficulty of working on board. These conditions are prompting technical teams to seek alternative methods of access. Omani authorities are coordinating the rescue operation with Ambrey company in an effort to contain the oil spill, which some estimates suggest covers an area of approximately 2000 square kilometers, while the last official assessment issued by the Omani Environment Authority on August 10 indicated about 400 square kilometers.