Oil spill washes up on UAE beaches after tanker strike
An oil spill originating from a tanker damaged near the Strait of Hormuz is spreading along the UAE coastline. Authorities are working to contain the environmental damage, which threatens local marine life and beach access.
Why it matters
The spill highlights the environmental risks associated with regional geopolitical conflicts and maritime security in the Middle East.
By Thomas Copeland, Mark Poynting and Tom Spencer BBC Verify Published 14 minutes ago An oil spill from a tanker attacked near the Strait of Hormuz is spreading along the United Arab Emirates (UAE) coastline, forcing the closure of some beaches and coastal areas.
Satellite images from Monday show the beginnings of the oil spill from a ship matching the location and dimensions of Gem No.2, which was damaged between 9 and 10 October during a record surge of vessel strikes by Iran .
The slick of oil had spread more than 35km (22 miles) from the tanker by Wednesday, the satellite imagery showed.
UAE authorities said on Thursday that the incident is affecting beaches near the northern city of Umm Al Quwain and verified video from Friday shows the oil washing ashore, colouring the water black.
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