UAE coast faces oil spill after tanker attack near Strait of Hormuz

A major oil spill triggered by a tanker attack near the Strait of Hormuz has reached the shores of the United Arab Emirates, prompting officials to close sections of the northern coastline as the slick threatens sensitive marine ecosystems.

Satellite imagery reviewed by BBC Verify and intelligence analysts shows that the slick had expanded across more than 35 kilometres, or about 22 miles, by Wednesday. Black crude has begun washing up on beaches near Umm Al Quwain, turning shoreline waters dark and prompting emergency response efforts.

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment announced on Thursday that containment measures had been launched immediately to curb the ecological fallout. However, experts warn that the spill could pose severe risks to local wildlife. The contaminated waters are drifting toward Khor Al Beidah and Siniyah Island, a designated Key Biodiversity Area known for its coral reefs, seagrass beds, and saltmarshes. The area is home to vulnerable marine species, including green sea turtles and the critically endangered Halavi guitarfish.

According to scientists, oil contamination can prove fatal to marine life in the short term by coating bird feathers, clogging fish gills, and trapping reptiles. Toxic chemicals within the crude can also cause enduring reproductive harm. Researchers noted that the overall ecological toll remains uncertain and will hinge on the quantity of oil released, its rate of breakdown, and the success of local containment operations.

The origin of the spill corresponds with the Panama-flagged crude carrier Gem No.2, which sustained damage between 9 and 10 October off the coast of Al Jazeera Al Hamra. Maritime intelligence reports indicated the vessel caught fire after being struck by an unidentified projectile during a sharp escalation in ship attacks linked to Iran near the vital shipping passage. Video from the time showed thick smoke rising from the burning vessel as crew members evacuated in life jackets. All 22 Indian crew members were later safely rescued, the Indian consulate in Dubai confirmed.

Iranian state media claimed the tanker had been navigating an unauthorized route while trying to leave the Strait of Hormuz. Marine analysts noted that the incident formed part of a broader surge of assaults on commercial vessels in the region, coming amid mounting tensions between Iranian and United States forces.

Although initial satellite observations on 19 October detected only a minor leak from the damaged vessel, subsequent radar imagery revealed that the volume of escaping oil expanded significantly within days, ultimately drifting into UAE coastal waters.