MUSCAT: Oman on Monday said it was working to contain an oil spill off its southern coast after a tanker ran aground in June inside a protected marine area, triggering calls for action by environmentalists. It follows an investigation by AFP that found the Caroline Bezengi had been stranded for weeks near Al-Qibliyyah island after it was rocked by explosions. The Oman Environment Authority on Monday said the ongoing spill had affected roughly 390 square kilometers, according to its most recent analysis.

Oman is facing an impending environmental catastrophe as an alleged Russian shadow fleet tanker leaks oil across hundreds of square kilometres near a nature reserve, NGOs warn.

Satellite images show a tanker leaking oil off the coast of Oman is continuing to sink. The Caroline Bezengi, grounded for weeks, is carrying nearly a million barrels of oil.

Leak area widens after unexplained blast on sanctioned Caroline Bezengi