Oil Slick Spreads Along UAE Coast, Forcing Beach Closures
A major oil spill off the United Arab Emirates has spread toward the coastline, prompting beach closures and emergency containment operations as authorities assess the environmental impact.
The leaking tanker, identified by maritime analysts as the Gem No. 2, was damaged by an unidentified projectile near the UAE coast on October 9. Satellite imagery later showed an oil slick extending more than 35 kilometers from the vessel.
Authorities have temporarily closed beaches and coastal areas around Umm Al Quwain, while Sharjah also shut Al Hamriyah Beach as a precaution. Cleanup teams are working to contain the spill and assess potential damage to marine habitats and coastal infrastructure.
The UAE has not officially identified the cause of the spill or confirmed that the tanker struck an Iranian-laid naval mine.
The incident adds to growing concerns over maritime security and environmental risks across the Gulf amid escalating regional tensions.