Omani Oil Spill: Salvage Effort Underway for Stricken Tanker

A tanker carrying an estimated 800,000 barrels of Russian oil ran aground on June 30 near an Omani marine nature reserve. The vessel, Caroline Bezengi, is under international sanctions and not insured by any recognized Western provider.

The salvage effort is underway, with British maritime security company Ambrey leading the operation. Ed Wollaston, director of global response at Ambrey, said: 'This is an extremely challenging situation, compounded by adverse weather conditions associated with the Khareef monsoon.'

The Omani environment agency has reported a vast oil spill from the leaking tanker, which has started to hit the country's coastline. The slick covers almost 400 square km and environmental agencies estimate its size as much larger.