Oil Pollution Spreads Along Qeshm and Hengam Coasts as Tanker Salvage Underway Off Oman

MUSCAT, Aug 13: Oil pollution has spread along the southern coasts of Iran’s Qeshm and Hengam islands, covering an estimated 32,000 square metres, Iranian news agency ISNA reported Thursday.

Several cleanup teams, including a large number of local volunteers, have been working in the affected areas since Wednesday. Authorities are investigating the source of the pollution in coordination with Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization and Qeshm port authorities.

Meanwhile, salvage operations are underway for the stricken tanker Caroline Bezengi off the coast of Oman. British maritime security firm Ambrey said salvage vessels were heading to the area to support efforts to recover the tanker, which has been leaking crude oil and caused a large slick that has reached parts of Oman’s mainland.

The developments have raised concerns over the environmental impact of oil pollution along the strategic waters of the Gulf of Oman.