In brief
A Panama‑flagged crude tanker, Gem No.2, was struck in early October by a projectile near the Strait of Hormuz, sparking an oil spill that has stretched over 35 km along the UAE’s northern coast. Satellite images first detected a thin plume on 19 October, and by 21 October the slick had reached the beaches of Umm Al Quwain and the Gate Islands. UAE authorities have deployed containment booms to limit environmental damage, but scientists warn of impacts on key biodiversity hotspots, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, green turtles and the critically endangered Halavi guitarfish. The incident follows a wave of shipping attacks amid Iran‑U.S. tensions, and several public beaches have been closed to protect residents and tourists.
An oil slick from a crude oil tanker struck near the Strait of Hormuz has begun washing ashore along the UAE's northern coast.
Satellite imagery first detected a thin plume on 19 October, matching the shape and location of the Panama‑flagged vessel Gem No.2, which was hit by a projectile on 9 October.
By 21 October the spill had stretched over 35 km (22 mi) from the wreckage, reaching the beaches of Umm Al Quwain and the Gate Islands.
“Inevitable that there will be an impact,” said Prof Steve Widdicombe of the Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre, noting the uncertainty of long‑term damage.
UAE authorities have said they have deployed containment booms and are working to limit environmental harm, but scientists warn the slick threatens key biodiversity hotspots, including coral and seagrass beds that support green turtles and the critically endangered Halavi guitarfish.
The incident follows a wave of attacks on shipping near Hormuz in early October, amid tensions between Iran and the United States. The cleanup effort will likely take weeks, and authorities have already closed several public beaches to protect tourists and residents.
