The oil spill caused by a damaged tanker off the coast of the United Arab Emirates has significantly expanded. Satellite images show that the spill has reached near the shores of the northern emirate of Umm Al-Quwain, with dark layers of oil spreading in the sea and along its coast.
Environmental Concerns and Maritime Security
Given the rising tensions in the Persian Gulf, especially following the outbreak of war between the United States and Israel against Iran, concerns about maritime traffic security and the environmental consequences of these conflicts have increased. October has been recorded as the worst month for attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and nearby waterways.
Actions by the UAE Government
The UAE government announced on Friday that efforts to contain the oil spill from the tanker along the coast are underway, and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is assessing the environmental impact of this incident. Officials have not yet disclosed the name of the tanker involved in this incident, but experts believe that the oil spill is from the tanker "Jum Number 2," which was struck by an unspecified project last month, causing a fire.
Images provided by the European Union's Sentinel-2 satellites show extensive oil leakage from this tanker. Officials in the northern emirates have restricted access to coastal areas to prevent potential hazards.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment announced on Friday that all beaches and coastal areas around the city of Umm Al-Quwain have been temporarily closed, while officials in neighboring Sharjah have blocked access to Al-Hamriya beach as a precaution.
Nyad Halal, a professor of engineering and director of the Water Research Center at New York University in Abu Dhabi, stated: "The reported oil spill in Umm Al-Quwain is a serious environmental concern. The temporary closure of beaches and coastal areas is a reasonable precaution to assess the extent of the spill and the movement of oil."
In Ras Al-Khaimah, known for its beaches and luxury resorts, officials announced on Saturday that all beaches in this emirate will be closed until further notice. Marine life in the United Arab Emirates includes over 500 different species of fish, dolphins, and sea turtles, which are considered a valuable resource for the marine ecosystem of this region.
Read more: Crisis management of fire in the south of Al-Batinah Governorate, Oman · Closure of Ras Al-Khaimah beaches in the UAE due to oil spill
