UAE closes beaches as oil spill from tanker hits coast
- Oil from a tanker strike has reached UAE beaches in Umm Al Quwain.
- The spill is linked to the Taiwanese VLCC Gem No. 2, damaged in early October.
- Satellite imagery shows the slick extending over 35km from the vessel.
- Authorities have closed beaches and warned fishermen to avoid the area.
- Environmentalists warn of risks to protected islands and desalination infrastructure.
Oil from a damaged tanker has reached the beaches of Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates following an attack near the Strait of Hormuz. The incident, which prompted immediate beach closures, occurred after the Taiwanese VLCC Gem No. 2 was struck by a projectile.
Al Jazeera reported that the tanker struck an Iranian-laid naval mine, while other outlets have attributed the damage to a projectile without specifying the mine. This spill has been observed as a massive slick several weeks after the initial tanker strike off the coast.
The United Arab Emirates is located at the eastern end of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia, and sharing maritime borders with Qatar and Iran in the Persian Gulf. This environmental incident arrives as tanker attacks continue to multiply near the Strait of Hormuz, exacerbating the environmental toll of the ongoing war.
Containment and clean-up efforts underway
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment began containment efforts immediately to limit environmental impacts. Authorities verified video footage showing oil washing ashore and colouring the water black.
The ministry confirmed that containment, cordoning, clean-up, and remediation efforts are currently underway. Officials temporarily shut down beaches around Umm Al Quwain until technical teams complete safety and marine protection checks. Fishermen and sea users have been urged to avoid the affected areas.
Satellite tracking of 35km slick from Gem No. 2
Satellite images show the oil slick spreading more than 35km (22 miles) from the tanker by Wednesday. The vessel, identified as the Panama-flagged Gem No 2, sustained damage between 9 and 10 October.
Environmental threat to Siniyah and Khor Al Beidah islands
The spill has extended towards the Siniyah and Khor Al Beidah islands, which are globally recognised Key Biodiversity Areas containing corals, seagrasses, and saltmarshes. Eoghan Darbyshire stated the proximity of the spill to these protected areas was the “most concerning environmental angle”.
The BBC reported that oil spills can cause immediate deaths of marine animals. Species remaining exposed to toxic compounds face the risk of longer-lasting damage.
Expert warnings on desalination and port infrastructure
The United Arab Emirates relies on desalination plants for the majority of its drinking water. Much of the nation's economy, including its ports and industrial facilities, is located on the coast, which makes shoreline contamination particularly sensitive.
Maritime analysts warned that the oil slick could threaten these desalination plants and port infrastructure in the northern emirates. However, it has not been confirmed that these specific facilities have been affected by the spill.
Residents report odours as authorities monitor health risks
Residents in northern Dubai and around Umm Al Quwain reported an unusual oil-like smell this week. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment stated that these odours posed no health risks to the public.
As of 2024, the United Arab Emirates had an estimated population of over 11 million, with Dubai serving as its largest city.
Professor Steve Widdicombe cautioned that it was too soon to assess the extent of the damage. He stated that it was “inevitable that there will be an impact”.
Ras Al Khaimah joins beach closures as spill spreads
The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has shut all of its beaches as the region grapples with the oil spill.
This follows an expansion of safety measures as the United Arab Emirates closes more beaches to deal with the contamination in the Gulf.
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