Massive oil spill off Oman sparks fears of Arabian Sea ecological disaster

A major oil spill from a stranded tanker off Oman has spread across an estimated 500 square miles of the Arabian Sea and reached the country's mainland, raising fears of an environmental disaster.

Greenpeace told CNN that satellite analysis showed oil across about 1,300 square kilometres, although the spill is fragmented rather than forming one continuous slick.

Omani authorities have not confirmed the total affected area.

The tanker Caroline Bezengi was reportedly carrying about 800,000 barrels of oil when it suffered an unidentified incident in June. It later ran aground near Al-Qibliyyah Island.

Oil was first detected leaking in early July. Omani authorities said on Wednesday that it had now reached 25 miles of the Ras Madrakah coastline, more than 120 miles from the tanker.

Residents have been told to avoid fishing in affected areas, while authorities plan to test seafood for contamination.

Greenpeace campaigner Hanen Keskes warned that the affected region contains coral reefs, seagrass and nesting beaches for endangered turtles.

“This is one of the most ecologically significant marine areas in the region,” Keskes told CNN.

International salvage operations involving vessels, aircraft and more than 100 tonnes of equipment are under way, but seasonal monsoon conditions are complicating the response.