An oil spill near UAE is causing alarm after two crude oil tankers collided in the Gulf of Oman near Khor Fakkan. The incident occurred on Tuesday when the Adalynn tanker crashed into the Front Eagle vessel. Emirati coastguards rescued 24 crew members safely from the scene without any reported injuries.
Although authorities initially reported a “small” slick, Greenpeace raised serious concerns. The group said the incident could result in a major environmental disaster. According to their statement, satellite images show a large oil plume stretching over 1,500 hectares from the impact site.
The Adalynn is part of a Russian “shadow fleet,” according to Greenpeace. This fleet includes aging tankers operating below safety standards to transport Russian oil despite international sanctions. Analysts say such vessels help Russia bypass global oil restrictions and continue international shipments without legal consequences.
Furthermore, Greenpeace warned the Adalynn might be carrying around 70,000 tons of crude oil. Officially, this ship is listed in extreme condition and should not be transporting any cargo under any circumstances.
The UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure stated the collision happened due to a navigational error. Both vessels suffered minor hull damage. One ship also experienced a fire in its fuel tank, which responders quickly controlled with timely action.
Farah Al Hattab, a Greenpeace spokesperson, called for urgent containment measures. She emphasized that oil spills threaten marine life and ecosystems. If left unaddressed, such damage could disrupt entire food chains and regional biodiversity very quickly.
This oil spill near UAE also raises concerns due to its proximity to the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway transports nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil. Any disruption here could affect global energy markets and impact oil prices worldwide.
As the oil spill near the UAE spreads, experts urge immediate international cooperation. Environmental damage could escalate if containment efforts are delayed or poorly coordinated by local authorities.
