Oil pollution from tanker Gem No. 2 on the shores of the United Arab Emirates has expanded since October 23, 2023, and has approached the northern emirate of Umm Al-Quwain. Satellite images from the European Union's Copernicus satellite monitoring network show that this pollution has increased in recent days, with dark oil layers spreading in the sea and along the shores.
Details of the Incident and Its Impacts
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment announced that its monitoring systems have detected an oil spill from a tanker that occurred off the coast of Umm Al-Quwain. Officials have not yet disclosed the name of the tanker or the cause of the spill, but experts have emphasized that this spill is from tanker Gem No. 2, which was struck by an unidentified project last month, causing a fire.
The development of insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz and maritime routes in the Persian Gulf due to the war between the United States and Israel with Iran has heightened concerns. October has been the worst month for attacks on commercial vessels in these waters, affecting maritime traffic security.
Emergency Measures and Environmental Protection
Officials in the northern emirates have restricted access to coastal areas to prevent the spread of pollution. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment announced that all beaches and coastal areas around the city of Umm Al-Quwain have been temporarily closed. Additionally, officials in Sharjah blocked access to Al-Hamriya beaches as a precautionary measure.
Nidal Hilal, a professor of engineering and director of the Water Research Center at New York University in Abu Dhabi, stated: "The reported oil spill on the shores of Umm Al-Quwain is a serious environmental concern. The temporary closure of beaches and coastal areas is a wise precautionary measure to assess the extent of the spill and the movement of oil." In the emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah, known for its beaches and luxury resorts, officials announced that all beaches in this emirate will be closed until further notice.
The marine life of the UAE is rich in fish, plants, and corals, including over 500 different species of fish that live in the Gulf waters, such as dolphins and sea turtles. This oil spill could have negative impacts on the region's marine ecosystem and pose serious risks to wildlife.
