Oil slick from damaged tanker reaches UAE shore, threatening biodiverse islands
An oil slick from a tanker damaged near the Strait of Hormuz has spread along the UAE coastline, prompting the closure of some beaches and coastal areas. It is approaching islands recognised for their biodiversity, raising concerns about potential harm to marine life, though researchers say it is too early to determine the full impact.
Satellite imagery showed the slick extending more than 35km from the ship by Wednesday, after a smaller leak was seen on 19 October. UAE authorities said they began containment, while verified footage showed oil washing ashore near Umm Al Quwain. The vessel appears to be Gem No.2, a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker struck on 9 October; all 22 Indian crew members were rescued.
In short
- Oil from a damaged tanker has spread more than 35km.
- UAE beaches near Umm Al Quwain have been affected.
- The spill threatens habitats near important biodiversity areas.
Explained simply
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, busy sea passage between the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, used by tankers carrying oil. The UAE lies along the southern side of the Gulf, where coastal waters and islands support fish, seabirds and other wildlife.
The damaged vessel appears to be Gem No.2, a Panama-flagged oil tanker whose 22 Indian crew members were rescued. UAE authorities have started containment efforts, while researchers are assessing what the oil could mean for nearby marine habitats; the extent of any harm is not yet clear.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Oil spill washes up on UAE beaches after tanker strike”.