Major Salvage Effort Begins for Grounded Shadow Fleet Tanker Off Oman

Ambrey has launched a major international salvage operation for the grounded tanker Caroline Bezengi off Oman, deploying specialist personnel and equipment as crews race to stabilize the vessel amid a rapidly expanding oil spill.

The maritime risk and response company said Thursday it has been engaged to salvage the stricken tanker near the Hallaniyat Islands in Oman’s Dhofar Governorate and has contracted a leading international oil spill response company to support the operation.

More than 100 tons of equipment, along with salvage vessels, aircraft and specialist personnel, are being mobilized as part of the response. Ambrey said salvage vessels are en route and expected to arrive on scene shortly.

Specialists have already boarded the Caroline Bezengi with support from the Royal Air Force of Oman to assess conditions and begin stabilizing the vessel and its cargo.

The operation marks a significant escalation in efforts to contain what is developing into one of the world’s largest tanker spills in years.

The 25-year-old tanker, carrying an estimated 800,000 barrels of Russian crude, ran aground June 30 at Al-Qibliyyah Island, part of a protected nature reserve encompassing the Hallaniyat Islands. The vessel first reported difficulties off Yemen on June 8 after what maritime sources have said appeared to be an explosion.

The tanker is under international sanctions and is considered part of the so-called shadow fleet used to transport Russian oil. It is not insured by a recognized Western insurer, complicating the response.

Satellite analysis reviewed by Reuters this week estimated the resulting slick had spread across more than 2,000 square kilometers, with oil reported to have reached the Omani mainland.

Oil spill specialist John Amos, CEO of environmental nonprofit SkyTruth, warned that if the tanker continues to deteriorate and loses its remaining cargo, the spill could ultimately reach 40 million to 50 million gallons — potentially rivaling the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster in volume.

Monsoon Complicates Salvage Effort

Ambrey said the response is being carried out during the Khareef, the annual monsoon affecting southern Oman, creating particularly difficult conditions for offshore salvage work.

The adverse weather and heavy seas are affecting vessel stability, personnel safety, access to the casualty and the pace of operations.

“This is an extremely challenging situation, compounded by adverse weather conditions associated with the Khareef monsoon,” said Ed Wollaston, Ambrey’s Director of Global Response. “However, we have deployed the leading experts in each aspect of the response and have mobilised the appropriate supporting equipment, aircraft and vessels.”

Wollaston said teams are “working around the clock to mitigate the environmental impact” and thanked Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, Environment Authority and Royal Air Force for their support.

The International Maritime Organization said Wednesday that seasonal monsoon conditions had limited access to the tanker and delayed salvage operations.

The location of the grounding has heightened environmental concerns. The Hallaniyat Islands nature reserve supports endangered turtles, humpback whales, coral reefs and other marine life.

Ambrey said it will provide further updates as the operation progresses.

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