Oman intensifies response to oil pollution from grounded ship

Muscat: Oman’s national emergency response teams are continuing coordinated efforts to contain and monitor oil pollution caused by the grounded ship off the Hallaniyat Islands, with operations focused on cleanup, environmental monitoring and preparedness.

The hazardous materials sector, involving the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority and Environment Authority, is strengthening cleanup operations in Ras Madrakah, deploying specialized personnel and equipment based on technical assessments.

Authorities are also maintaining heightened preparedness on Masirah Island, where monitoring has so far confirmed that the pollution has not reached the island’s shores. Teams are tracking the movement of the oil and updating projected pollution paths using available data and models.

Waste generated from beach-cleaning operations is being managed through designated facilities. Bee’ah has identified disposal areas at the engineered landfill in Duqm and at a waste transfer point on Masirah Island, where the material will be assessed and handled appropriately.

The water sector has likewise increased its readiness. Daily tests in Ras Madrakah and Duqm have found samples safe and compliant with approved standards. In Masirah, authorities are preparing coastal wells as an alternative water source in case the desalination plant’s seawater intake is affected.

The measures form part of Oman’s integrated national response to the ship-grounding incident, aimed at limiting the spread and impact of oil pollution and protecting marine and coastal ecosystems.