Oil Slick Stretches 35km Along UAE Coast After Tanker Strike

A 35-kilometer oil slick now stretches along the coast of the United Arab Emirates, a result of a tanker strike in the Strait of Hormuz. The spread was confirmed by satellite imagery reviewed on Wednesday, showing the pollution extending more than 22 miles from the source vessel.

The spill originates from the Gem No.2, a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker. Vanguard, a maritime intelligence firm, reported that the ship was hit by an unknown projectile on 9 October. The incident occurred just north of Al Jazeera Al Hamra and ignited a fire that was eventually extinguished. Footage from 10 October showed crew members evacuating across the deck while black smoke billowed from the vessel. Iranian state media indicated the ship had attempted to exit the strait via an unauthorized route.

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment stated that it immediately began containment efforts to limit environmental impacts. Authorities closed beaches and coastal areas near the northern city of Umm Al Quwain on Thursday. Verified video from Friday showed oil reaching the shore, turning the water black. While a smaller leak was visible on 19 October, radar satellite data from MAIAR indicates the spill grew rapidly over the following two days.

Prof Steve Widdicombe, director of the Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre, described the impact on the marine environment as inevitable. He noted that spills can kill marine life quickly by trapping turtles, smothering seabirds, or damaging fish gills. Longer-term harm is possible if species remain exposed to toxic compounds, which may affect their ability to reproduce. Researchers caution that it is too early to determine the severity of the damage, as factors such as oil volume, type, and cleanup effectiveness will play a role.

The slick extends toward Siniyah and Khor Al Beidah islands. This area is a globally recognized Key Biodiversity Area containing corals, seagrasses, and saltmarshes. It serves as habitat for green turtles and the critically endangered Halavi guitarfish. Eoghan Darbyshire, a scientist at the Conflict and Environment Observatory, identified the proximity to this zone as the most concerning environmental aspect of the spill.

The Gem No.2 was one of a record number of ships attacked in and around the strait in early October. Security experts told BBC Verify that the strikes are part of an Iranian effort to assert greater control over the waterway. This action follows the US military escorting more vessels through the area. Commercial ships have faced attacks from both Iranian and US forces during the ongoing conflict.

The Indian consulate in Dubai confirmed on 11 October that all 22 Indian crew members had been rescued. The incident adds to a series of environmental hazards in the region. In August, another large oil slick reached the shores of Iran's Qeshm Island, threatening wildlife, protected ecosystems, and local fishing communities.