Oman says oil spill from attacked tanker expanding toward coastline

MUSCAT, Oman — Oman's government has warned that an oil spill from a tanker struck in an unidentified attack in June is expanding and drifting toward the country's coastline, threatening a marine protected area. The Environment Authority said satellite imagery and technical analysis show the slick now covers around 390 square kilometers near the Hallaniyat Islands in the Arabian Sea, with its closest point about seven kilometers from shore. The vessel had loaded crude at the Russian Black Sea port of Novorossiysk and was sailing toward Asia when it reported trouble off Yemen in June. Maritime security sources assessed that an explosion had occurred on board, though no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Oman's Environment Authority said the slick is extending from the northeast of the Hallaniyat Islands toward the mainland, placing one of the country's protected marine zones at risk. Authorities have not disclosed the volume of oil released or the tanker's owner and operator. Omani authorities said work is under way to contain the spill. No further details on response operations or potential environmental damage were immediately available.