Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Caroline-Bezengi

An ecological crisis is becoming a reality as the Russian dark fleet tanker 'Caroline Bezengi' has begun leaking oil after running aground off an Omani island. The vessel suffered an explosion on June 8 while navigating near the Omani coast. Having successfully transited the Suez Canal on May 30 and exited the Maritime Security Transit Corridor, the tanker was rendered stranded after the blast. All crew members were safely evacuated within four days, but the ship drifted onto the rocky shores of Jazirat Al Qibliyyah, part of the Hallaniyat Islands in Dhofar, with a significant oil cargo intended for Gujarat, sourced from Novorossiysk. 'Caroline Bezengi' has a controversial history tied to the Russian state ship-owner Sovcomflot and has been sanctioned by several regions, including the UK, EU, Canada, and Switzerland for transporting Russian oil. Satellite images captured on August 2 revealed multiple small vessels stationed near the wreck, approximately one nautical mile north and five nautical miles east, yet no lightering operations were observed. The oil slick emanating from the wreck site has expanded alarmingly from roughly 20 square kilometers to 150 square kilometers in just a week, stretching over an estimated 90 kilometers. It has now reached the southern and western shores of Qibliyah Island in Oman’s Dhofar region. The persistent drift of the oil spill poses a significant risk to the pristine Omani coastline, particularly between Sharbithat and Ras Madrakah—an area characterized by steep cliffs and secluded beaches that serve as vital nesting sites for turtles, safe from human activity. Furthermore, the offshore waters in this area are a sanctuary for several endangered species, including Arabian Sea humpback whales and petrels. Investigations suggest that 'Caroline Bezengi' may have fallen victim to a limpet mine attack, likely positioned on the vessel during her stay at Novorossiysk or while it was anchored. Tankers typically anchor during passage through the Suez Canal and may do the same after exiting to finalize shipping protocol. The timing of the explosion, occurring along a common route, raises suspicions about potential warnings against Russian-owned dark fleet vessels. Currently, there are 39 such ships registered under the Omani flag, from a total of 43 in the national registry. For a detailed report with accompanying images, visit: https://maritime-executive.com/article/oman-s-turtle-coast-hit-by-oil-leaking-from-the-tanker-caroline-bezengi.

In a decisive move, the Omani Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has mandated the owners of the abandoned tanker 'Caroline Bezengi' to remove the vessel within 24 hours from its precarious position on the rocks near the southwestern coast of Jazirat Al Qibliyyah. It remains unclear whether the owners, Rentoor Shipmanagement, based in Huangpu Qu, Shanghai, have acknowledged receipt of this urgent directive. Notably, the specified address for Rentoor Shipmanagement appears to be a residential block, often associated with the registration details of Russian dark fleet vessels. Should the owners fail to comply with the Ministry's orders, legal action is imminent. The tanker previously made headlines when its crew reported an onboard explosion while positioned off Dhofar on June 8. The 'Caroline Bezengi', which has faced sanctions from the EU, UK, and US (OFAC), boasts a fraught history with ties to the Russian state ship-owner Sovcomflot; it had loaded crude oil at Novorossiysk prior to setting course for India. The fate of the crew remains uncertain, however, evacuated officers have since assisted local authorities in evaluating the condition of the distressed tanker. As the monsoon season unleashes turbulent seas, the vessel's situation worsens—sinking deeper and listing precariously. In response to the vessel's alarming state, Omani authorities have enlisted a prominent salvage firm to conduct an assessment, confirming the escalating risk of onboard explosions and structural failure as salvage operations contemplate commencement. Currently, legal complexities are hindering immediate salvage actions, amplifying fears of potential cargo spills and environmental disaster. The prospect of recovering the crude cargo aboard the 'Caroline Bezengi' remains an essential consideration, particularly given that it could significantly offset the costs associated with any salvage efforts. Of the 44 vessels registered under the Omani shipping authority, 39 lie within what is described as the Russian dark fleet, many of which are aging and susceptible to engine malfunctions.

In a troubling turn of events, Oman is bracing for an environmental catastrophe as the 'Caroline Bezengi', a crude oil tanker previously sanctioned by the EU, UK, and US (OFAC), is beginning to deteriorate after grounding on rocks off the southwestern tip of Jazirat All Qibliyyah, one of the Hallaniyat Islands. This vessel, linked to the Russian state shipping company Sovcomflot, had recently loaded its cargo in Novorossiysk and was en route to India when it encountered an explosion on June 8, leading to crew abandonment on June 11. The location where the tanker is stranded presents significant challenges due to rough seas typical of the monsoon season. Reports indicate that while much of the vessel is stuck on the rocks, there are additional perilous rocks nearby that could cause further damage should the ship shift. An onboard inspection by Omani maritime authorities on July 12 revealed alarming deterioration when compared to a prior aerial survey. The tanker is nearly full, with only one tank remaining intact; the others are compromised, showing signs of seawater intrusion. The 'Caroline Bezengi' is progressively sinking, with an increasing tilt towards the port side. Alarmingly, there is ongoing leakage of crude oil into the ballast and double hull spaces. Despite the urgency of the situation, Rentoor Shipmanagement in Huangpu Qu, Shanghai, has not responded to inquiries from Omani authorities. In response, Oman has engaged an independent salvage company to assess the situation. The plan currently outlines the removal of the oil via a 1000-yard pipeline to a receiving tanker positioned in deeper water to mitigate risks. However, legal complications are delaying this crucial operation. Without swift action, the 'Caroline Bezengi' risks spilling its cargo, which would severely impact the Hallaniyat Islands Marine Buffer Zone and threaten extensive sections of the Dhofar coastline.

The 'Caroline Bezengi', a tanker previously subjected to sanctions for transporting Russian oil, is reportedly leaking oil in a protected marine zone off Oman's coast. This vessel, having loaded a shipment of Russian crude at the Novorossiysk port, embarked on its latest journey before raising alarms. Its last known public AIS signal was detected on June 11, near Yemen's coastline. Satellite imagery from Copernicus Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2, taken between July 2 and 13, revealed a disturbing silver and grey slick spreading across the waters in a cove southwest of al-Qibliyyah island. The ship is owned by Shanghai-based Rentoor Shipmanagement, raising concerns about environmental safety and compliance with international regulations. For more visual evidence, check out the satellite images depicting the growing oil slick. [Photo: Satellite image link](https://www.reutersconnect.com/item/a-satellite-image-shows-what-appears-to-be-an-oil-slick-off-the-coast-of-oman/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjY6bmV3c21sX1JDMlNGTUE4VUJVQg)

In a concerning turn of events, the crew aboard the tanker 'Caroline Bezengi', which comprises 13 Russian and 12 Indonesian sailors, has formally appealed for intervention from the Vostochny port authorities. Their urgent request highlights significant issues aboard the vessel, including unpaid wages, insurance complications, and critically low food supplies. According to the Russian Seafarers Union (RSU), the crew members have not received their salaries for 2.5 months (Russian sailors) and 1.5 months (Indonesian sailors), amounting to a staggering €179,000 in total outstanding payments. Alarmingly, some crew contracts have already expired, while the majority are set to lapse on February 28. Compounding these difficulties, provisions on the ship are dwindling, leaving only a few days' worth of supplies remaining. In light of these allegations, the vessel's owner, Lagosmarine, has claimed to have cleared the outstanding debts with its insurance provider. However, should the forthcoming inspection validate the crew’s claims, there is a strong possibility that the 'Caroline Bezengi' could be detained for breaching the Maritime Labor Convention.

In a recent maritime transaction, a vessel has been sold for around $13.5 million to buyers from Greece. This sale marks a significant move in the maritime market, showcasing the ongoing demand from Greek shipping interests.