Oil slick stretches 35km, forcing closures of northern UAE beaches

Residents and visitors to the northern coast of the United Arab Emirates have been told to stay away from the water. Authorities closed beaches near the city of Umm Al Quwain after dark oil reached the shoreline this week. The slick originated from a tanker hit in early October.

Satellite data tracks the spread of the pollution. A small leak was visible on 19 October. By Wednesday, images showed the oil stretching more than 35 kilometers from the ship. Radar data indicates the spill grew rapidly over the two days following the initial detection.

The source of the leak is the Panama-flagged Gem No.2. Vanguard, a maritime intelligence firm, reported that the vessel was struck by an unknown projectile on 9 October. The impact started a fire that was later extinguished. Footage from 10 October shows crew members donning life jackets near black smoke. Iranian state media described the ship as using an unauthorized route through the Strait of Hormuz.

All 22 Indian crew members were rescued, according to the Indian consulate in Dubai. The ship was one of many vessels attacked in the region during the first week of October. Security experts say the strikes are part of an Iranian effort to assert control over the waterway. This comes as the US military escorts more commercial ships through the area.

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed the beaches were affected on Thursday. Video from Friday shows black water washing onto the sand. Officials said they immediately began containment efforts to limit environmental impacts. Prof Steve Widdicombe, director of the Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre, told BBC Verify that an impact was inevitable.

The slick extends toward Siniyah and Khor Al Beidah islands. These islands are a Key Biodiversity Area. They contain corals, seagrasses, and saltmarshes. The area is home to green turtles and the critically endangered Halavi guitarfish. Eoghan Darbyshire of the Conflict and Environment Observatory called the spill's proximity to this area the most concerning environmental angle.

Marine biologists note that oil can kill life quickly by smothering birds or trapping turtles. Longer-term exposure to toxic compounds may also affect reproduction. Researchers state it is too early to judge the severity of the damage. This will depend on the volume of oil, its type, and the effectiveness of the cleanup.