OIL SPILL FROM GROUNDED TANKER OFF OMAN EXPANDS SHARPLY, SATELLITE IMAGES SHOW

A U.K.-sanctioned Suezmax tanker, the Caroline Bezengi, grounded off Qibliyah Island near Oman and is leaking oil that has rapidly expanded, according to satellite images released by the European Space Agency and reported by the Associated Press.

Satellite images from July 27 show the spill covering an estimated 150 square kilometers (58 square miles), a dramatic increase from the 20 square kilometers reported a week earlier. Greenpeace Germany noted the oil sheen spreading to shorelines and further out to sea, and it remains unclear why the leak has grown so quickly.

The spill threatens the marine environment and coastal communities of Dhofar, Oman’s largest governorate, and raises questions about the handling of a U.K.-sanctioned vessel.

• Grounded UK‑sanctioned tanker Caroline Bezengi leaking oil near Qibliyah Island.
• Satellite imagery shows spill expanded to 150 sq km, up from 20 sq km a week earlier.
• Cause of the rapid growth is still unknown.

Read the original source for full detail available at Associated Press src