Oil Spill Incident Off UAE Coast Amid Rising Tensions in the Gulf
DUBAI: An oil spill from a tanker was identified off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on Friday. This incident comes as attacks on vessels in Gulf waters have increased during ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment reported that the spill is affecting the beaches of Umm Al Quwain, an emirate located north of Dubai. Authorities responded quickly, initiating containment and clean-up efforts to minimize environmental damage, leading to the closure of local beaches.
Access to the affected area has been restricted by police, as confirmed by journalists from AFP who were present at the scene. Satellite images revealed an oil slick surrounding a vessel about 20 kilometers off the coast on October 19. Further analysis showed a slick extending approximately 40 kilometers and covering a vast area of 190 square kilometers, with parts reaching just six kilometers from the shore.
Recent maritime security reports indicate that a ship was struck by a projectile off the UAE coast on October 9, igniting a fire that was later controlled. The vessel involved was identified as the oil tanker GEM NO.2, which is registered under a Panamanian flag and owned by Taiwan’s Global Energy Maritime. The tanker had loaded two million barrels of oil earlier in March and has been making regular transfers along the Emirati and Omani coasts.
Environmental experts are analyzing the nature of the oil spill, with concerns that if it consists of thick crude oil, it could pose a severe pollution risk to marine life. “If it is crude oil, it can significantly harm the beaches and local ecosystems, affecting wildlife such as birds and turtles,” explained Wim Zwijnenburg, an expert with Dutch NGO PAX. In contrast, if the spill comprises lighter oil that tends to evaporate quickly, the environmental risks might be more short-term.
Residents in northern parts of the UAE, including areas in Dubai, have reported unusual chemical odors on social media. One resident from Sharjah described the smell as overwhelming, comparing it to a gas station spill, while worrying about a potential gas leak in her home. However, the UAE authorities assure that these odors pose no health threat to the public.
In addition to addressing the oil spill, experts emphasize the importance of monitoring its environmental impact. Inesaf Benzaki, campaigns lead at Greenpeace MENA, highlighted that safeguarding marine ecosystems and communities dependent on them will be critical.
With tensions rising in the region, marked by conflict involving US-Israeli strikes on Iran, Tehran has been asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz, frequently targeting vessels navigating through without its consent. In retaliation, the U.S. has responded by enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports and providing protection for tankers in the strategic waterway.
