The United Arab Emirates said on Friday that the oil leak from the damaged Gem No. 2 tanker has stopped and that no new leakage has been detected, as cleanup work continued along the country’s northern coast.
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said it is overseeing the response with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, according to the state news agency WAM.
Technical teams are repairing damaged sections of the tanker and have restored some of its operating systems. They are also assessing the integrity of its structure to decide the safest way to handle the vessel.
Maritime and aerial surveillance continues, including the use of satellite imagery to track the slick.
Slick concentrated off Umm Al Quwain
As of Friday, October 30, the slick was concentrated off the coast of Umm Al Quwain, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said. It extends partly toward coastal areas of Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Sharjah.
The ministry said the density of marine pollution has declined markedly. Crews are using mechanical containment methods alongside chemical dispersants applied under international standards.
Beaches in Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah remain temporarily closed as a precaution. Authorities said the closures do not necessarily mean pollution has been found at every affected site.
Umm Al Quwain closed its beaches and told fishermen to avoid affected waters on October 23, and Ras Al Khaimah closed all its public beaches the following day.
Fish and drinking water
Federal and local authorities said fish and other food products sold in local markets are safe to eat.
The federal water and electricity utility said it is monitoring seawater quality at desalination intake points and checking that treated water meets approved standards before it enters the supply network. It said water supply to customers will not be affected.
The UAE relies heavily on desalination for drinking water, and many of its ports and industrial plants sit on the coast.
Authorities have not said what caused the spill. Shipping sources told Reuters the vessel was struck by a projectile on October 9, causing a fire that was later put out.
