Oil spills from tankers attacked by Iran in Hormuz reach UAE coastline, report says

Oil spills from tankers attacked by Iran near the Strait of Hormuz have reached the UAE coastline, prompting beach closures in three emirates and raising concerns about marine life, the Financial Times reported. The first spill to reach the coast left dark slicks along beaches, with authorities closing affected areas in Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. The UAE environment ministry said it was coordinating cleanup operations and urged fishermen to avoid polluted areas. Marine monitor Windward recorded 12 spills between July and September, including one that spread across an area of 2,000 square kilometres off Oman. Satellite imagery also showed an oil slick near Ras Al Khaimah. Experts warned that turtles, dolphins, seabirds and other marine species could be affected. Authorities have not identified the leaking vessel, but marine security experts cited by the FT said it was the Chinese-owned supertanker Gem No. 2, hit off Sharjah more than two weeks ago. An oil slick is seen floating on the surface of the water at Al Hamra Golf Club of Al Hamra Village in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah on 28 October 2026. (AFP)