Oil leaking from a tanker grounded off the coast of Oman has reached the country's mainland beaches. According to the Environment Authority, the slick reportedly reached the mainland on August 12.
The contamination has affected the beaches of Ras Madrakah, located around 200 kilometres north of Qabiliyah Island. The Omani environmental authority reports that up to 40 kilometres of coastline have been affected by the oil pollution.
The spill is endangering a nearby island and threatening marine habitats as well as a protected area. Strong winds and monsoon currents are spreading the oil, raising fears that the pollution could reach other islands.