In brief
A crude oil tanker, identified as Gem No.2, was struck on 9 Oct near the Strait of Hormuz, unleashing an oil slick that has already stretched 35 km along the UAE shoreline. UAE authorities have shut down several beaches, and scientists warn of possible long‑term damage to coral and turtle habitats. Containment efforts have begun, but the spill could reach key biodiversity islands including Siniyah and Khor Al Beidah. The incident follows a surge in vessel attacks in the Strait amid tensions between Iran and the West.
Oil slick from a tanker hit near the Strait of Hormuz is spreading along the UAE coast, closing beaches and threatening biodiversity.
Spill Continues to Grow
Satellite data from Monday show the beginning of the spill, linked to the Panama‑flagged tanker Gem No.2 that was struck on 9 Oct and set ablaze. By Wednesday the oil slick had stretched more than 35 km (22 miles) from the vessel’s position.
UAE authorities closed beaches near Umm Al Quwain and released footage of black‑stained water washing ashore. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has begun containment operations to limit environmental impacts.
Scientists warn that the spill could reach Siniyah and Khor Al Beidah islands, a Key Biodiversity Area containing coral reefs, seagrasses and habitats for green turtles and the critically endangered Halavi guitarfish. The proximity of the spill to these ecosystems is the most concerning environmental angle.
While containment is underway, researchers caution that the full extent of damage depends on the oil volume, type, evaporation rate and cleanup effectiveness. Immediate impacts include the trapping of marine life, smothering of fish gills, and potential long‑term reproductive effects on species exposed to toxic compounds.
Gem No.2 suffered a fire after a projectile strike reported by Iranian state media. All 22 Indian crew members were rescued; the incident follows a record spike in vessel attacks in the Strait of Hormuz at the start of October. The UAE’s response highlights the broader risks to maritime trade amid regional tensions.
BBC Verify continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates as the containment effort progresses.
