Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Caroline-Bezengi

Recent images captured on August 27 reveal that the 'Caroline Bezengi' remains largely intact after running aground on the rocky shores of Jazirat Al Qibliyyah, although it continues to leak oil into the surrounding waters. The situation appears stable, as the degree of oil leakage has not worsened since the last observation on August 22. While the hull shows no visible signs of deformation, the vessel has settled deeper into the water. Ambrey, the organization overseeing the salvage operations, has not communicated any updates since their initial statement on August 13, leaving the condition of the wreck largely unreported. Meanwhile, the Oman Meteorology department has indicated that Khareef conditions are persisting in the region, characterized by rough seas with wave heights ranging from two to four meters and southwesterly winds clocking in at approximately 25 meters per second. Current weather forecasts do not anticipate any immediate improvement, with deteriorating wave conditions expected starting on September 3. These challenging maritime conditions may inadvertently assist in dispersing the oil leak, which continues to emit a visible plume moving towards the North East. For more information, you can view the full report with accompanying images at the Maritime Executive's website.

Recent satellite images from August 22 indicate that the grounded tanker 'Caroline Bezangi' has further submerged, potentially resulting in hull deformation. Fortunately, the rate of oil leakage hasn't risen significantly. The satellite overflight on that day captured an oil plume drifting eastward into the North Arabian Sea, attributed to prevailing southwest winds, which have mitigated the amount of oil reaching the Ras Madrakah shoreline. With current weather patterns expected to persist, average wind speeds are recorded at 16 m/s, with gusts reaching up to 26 m/s, accompanied by wave heights exceeding ten feet. These hostile conditions pose serious risks for lightering operations or cargo rebalancing. As of now, no salvage vessels have been detected near the wreck site or in the Halliniyat harbor, which Ambrey had planned to utilize as its operational base. Additionally, there have been no recent updates from Ambrey regarding the ongoing situation.

Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology is actively engaged in tackling the situation involving the tanker 'Caroline Bezengi' amid challenging weather conditions. Collaborating with national authorities and the maritime consultancy firm Ambrey, the salvage operation is facing significant hurdles due to wind gusts reaching 40 knots and aggressive swells of up to four meters. These adverse conditions have made it perilous to approach or board the stranded vessel. In a bid to combat the ongoing oil pollution, the Ministry has enlisted the support of the Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) and the local company BISCO. Preparations are underway, with rubber containment booms, dispersal agents, and spill response equipment being arranged, along with a dedicated vessel to deliver these crucial materials to the grounding site. Operational risks are further heightened by the limited marine and hydrographic data that make identifying safe access routes challenging. The 'Caroline Bezengi' is currently inclined at a 17-degree angle to its port side, leaving potential work areas on the deck compromised by a mix of oil and seawater, creating dangerously slippery conditions. Additionally, the absence of a power source for salvage equipment onboard complicates the operation. The site’s rocky seabed remains unsurveyed, adding another layer of complexity to maritime activities. As survey operations are prioritized to determine safe approaches for larger salvage vessels, logistics are hampered by the lack of nearby sheltered harbors for staging operations. Currently, personnel can only access the site via helicopter. One of the critical assessments underway is the feasibility of transferring oil from damaged tanks to intact, safer ones. Such maneuvers would necessitate additional equipment, including generators and pumps. Meanwhile, the oil spill has already impacted a significant portion of Oman’s coastline, stretching approximately 12 kilometers in the Ras Madrakah area. As of August 17, the area affected by the oil spill reached approximately 2,000 square kilometers, with approximately six to eight miles of coastline contaminated. Efforts are being made by the National Committee for Emergency Management (NCEM) to clean up the spill manually without any heavy machinery, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the situation. For visual updates, including photos and videos from the ongoing response, please visit: [Oman Observer](https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1194614/oman/environment/oman-steps-up-oil-spill-response-as-rough-seas-hamper-salvage-ops) and updates on social media platforms [Tweet 1](https://x.com/GDNonline/status/2089677438439866497/video/1) and [Tweet 2](https://x.com/Theseainarabic/status/2088353755242586522/video/1).

As of August 13, 2026, a crucial operation has commenced to stabilize the 'Caroline Bezengi', a tanker currently posing environmental risks along Oman’s central coast. This development was announced by the risk consultancy Ambrey, based in Hereford, just a day after Oman’s environmental authority confirmed that oil from the vessel had begun affecting local beaches. Ambrey is collaborating with Omani authorities as part of a broader international response that includes involvement from salvage ships, aircraft, and specialized teams. Details on the countries and firms collaborating with Ambrey have not been disclosed. The 'Caroline Bezengi' has previously flown flags from states such as Cameroon, Palau, and Liberia, creating a complex chain of accountability. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is closely monitoring the unfolding situation and has pledged ongoing support for recovery efforts. Notably, the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds, charged with addressing oil spill incidents, has opted out of partaking in this particular cleanup, citing that the spill likely stems from an act of war. Ambrey has indicated that salvage vessels should arrive at the scene shortly, while experts have already boarded the distressed tanker to secure its cargo. However, the operation faces severe challenges due to adverse weather conditions linked to Oman’s annual Khareef monsoon, which complicates the salvage effort. Currently, seven out of the twelve cargo tanks are leaking, and forecasts predict the vessel could be at risk of breaking apart amid strong winds and high swells. Environmental concerns are mounting as satellite imagery reveals the oil spill has expanded from approximately 45 square kilometers in late July to an estimated 1,300 square kilometers as of August 12. Omani authorities had initially estimated the spill size around 400 square kilometers as of August 10. The situation is particularly alarming for local ecosystems, including a marine reserve established near the Hallaniyat archipelago in 2025. In a twist of regulatory challenges, Omani authorities are grappling with the complexities of the wreck with no identifiable owner, no active insurer, and a non-functioning flag state. A sanctioned Russian insurer, AlfaStrakhovanie, has reportedly agreed to finance response efforts related to the 'Caroline Bezengi', but only after securing necessary sanctions waivers. AlfaStrakhovanie has found itself in the crosshairs of international scrutiny since it was sanctioned by the EU in December 2023 for its service to vessels transporting Russian crude, deemed irregular by the IMO standards. The UK followed suit in November 2024, contributing to tensions surrounding its involvement. Notably, a February 2026 ruling from the EU's General Court denied AlfaStrakhovanie's appeal against the sanctions. To offset salvage operation costs, efforts may include selling remaining oil cargo, estimated to be worth around $50 million. The ongoing operation reflects the urgent need to mitigate environmental damage from this incident, which poses significant risks to Oman’s coastal regions.

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.