Salvage ships sent to grounded tanker near Omani reserve as oil spill widens

British maritime security company Ambrey said on Thursday it has been engaged in the salvage of the stricken tanker Caroline Bezengi off the Omani coast and that salvage vessels are en route to support the operation.

The Caroline Bezengi tanker, carrying an estimated 800,000 barrels of Russian oil and under international sanctions, ran aground on June 30 near an Omani marine nature reserve that is home to wildlife including Arabian Sea humpback whales and Socotra cormorants.

Ambrey said it was working with stakeholders in Oman and has contracted a leading international oil spill response firm.

"This is an extremely challenging situation, compounded by adverse weather conditions associated with the Khareef monsoon" Ed Wollaston, director of global response at Ambrey, said.