An oil spill from a tanker damaged in an attack near the Strait of Hormuz has reached the coastline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), leading to the closure of several beaches. Satellite imagery from Monday, October 19, identified the initial leak, and by Wednesday, October 21, the slick had expanded to more than 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the vessel. UAE authorities confirmed on Thursday, October 22, that the oil was impacting the northern city of Umm Al Quwain, with video from Friday, October 23, showing black oil washing onto the shore.
The ship, identified by BBC Verify and maritime intelligence firm Vanguard as the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker Gem No. 2, was struck by an "unknown projectile" on October 9. The incident occurred north of Al Jazeera Al Hamra and resulted in an onboard fire that was subsequently extinguished. All 22 Indian crew members were rescued by October 11, according to the Indian consulate in Dubai. Iranian state media reported the ship was using an "unauthorized and dangerous route" at the time of the strike.
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment stated on Thursday that it had initiated containment efforts to limit environmental damage. While a smaller leak was visible on October 19, radar satellite imagery reviewed by intelligence firm MAIAR showed a rapid spread over the following 48 hours. The spill is moving toward Siniyah and Khor Al Beidah islands, which are recognized as Key Biodiversity Areas.
The scale of the damage to the local ecosystem will depend on how quickly the oil evaporates or is contained by the UAE government’s ongoing cleanup operation. Professor Steve Widdicombe of the Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre noted that species exposure to toxic compounds could have long-term effects on reproduction. This incident follows a similar large-scale spill in August that affected Iran’s Qeshm Island, suggesting a recurring pattern of environmental risk tied to maritime security in the region.
The spill occurs amid a reported increase in vessel strikes in the Strait of Hormuz. Security experts cited by BBC Verify stated that these attacks are linked to efforts by Iran to assert control over the shipping lane following successful U.S. military escorts of other vessels. As of October 23, UAE authorities are continuing containment efforts, though the final extent of the environmental and economic impact is not yet known. No specific completion date for the cleanup has been provided.