Gulf Oil Spill Fast Becoming One of Worst in Years, Agencies Warn

A vast oil spill from a leaking tanker is rapidly worsening in the Gulf, agencies and environmental groups warn. Oman’s environment agency says oil is reaching the coastline near Ras Madraka and Masirah Island, with the spill covering more than 2,000 square kilometres. The Caroline Bezengi ran aground on June 30 carrying about 800,000 barrels of Russian oil. War- and sanctions-related rules, limited salvage access due to monsoon conditions, and lack of Western insurance are complicating cleanup efforts.