Recently published satellite imagery shows the expansion of an oil spill that occurred in early October off the coast of the northern emirate of Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates. Although official authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the spill or the tanker's ownership, sources in the shipping industry report that the vessel was struck by an 'unidentified projectile.'
Experts believe the affected tanker is the 'Gem No.2'. Due to the oil approaching the coastline, authorities temporarily closed all beaches and coastal areas around the city of Umm Al Quwain starting on October 23.
According to information provided by the UAE, efforts are underway to contain the leak. The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment will assess the ecological consequences of this incident.
It is noted that attacks on commercial vessels in the waters of the Persian Gulf have increased since the conflict between Iran, led by the US and Israel.