Umm Al Quwain Closes Beaches as Tanker Spill Reaches Shore

Crude oil from a damaged tanker has reached the coastline of the United Arab Emirates, prompting authorities to shut down beaches in the northern emirate of Umm Al Quwain. The spill originates from the Gem No. 2, a Panama-flagged vessel that was struck by a projectile on 9 October. The impact started a fire that was later extinguished, but a leak began to form. By 19 October, satellite data showed a small leak, which expanded rapidly over the next two days.

Radar imagery from the intelligence firm MAIAR and BBC Verify confirms the growth of the slick. By Wednesday, the oil stretched more than 35km, or 22 miles, from the ship's location. The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment stated on Thursday that beaches near Umm Al Quwain were being affected. Verified video from Friday shows oil turning the water black as it reaches the shore. The ministry said it immediately began containment efforts to limit environmental impacts.

The vessel was one of a record number of ships attacked in and around the Strait of Hormuz in early October. Security experts described the strikes as part of an Iranian effort to assert control over the waterway. This followed US military escorts for more commercial vessels. Iranian state media claimed the Gem No. 2 was using an unauthorized and dangerous route. Footage from 10 October showed crew members donning lifejackets amid black smoke. The Indian consulate in Dubai confirmed on 11 October that all 22 Indian crew members were rescued.

Marine experts warn that the spill poses risks to local wildlife. Prof Steve Widdicombe, director of the Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre, told BBC Verify that an impact is inevitable. He noted that spills can trap turtles, smother seabirds, and damage fish gills. Long-term exposure to toxic compounds can also affect the reproductive abilities of marine species. Researchers say it is too early to judge the severity of the damage, as it depends on the oil volume, evaporation rates, and the effectiveness of the cleanup.

The slick extends toward Siniyah and Khor Al Beidah islands. These islands form a globally recognised Key Biodiversity Area. The habitats include corals, seagrasses, and saltmarshes. The area is home to green turtles and the critically endangered Halavi guitarfish. Eoghan Darbyshire, a scientist at the Conflict and Environment Observatory, identified the spill's proximity to this area as the most concerning environmental angle. The region had already faced a large oil slick in August that reached Iran's Qeshm Island.