An oil spill from a damaged tanker has washed up on beaches in the United Arab Emirates, prompting the closure of some coastal areas.
What happened
Satellite images show the oil spill spreading over 35 kilometers along the UAE coastline, with the affected areas including beaches near the northern city of Umm Al Quwain.
The spill is believed to have originated from the Gem No.2 tanker, which was damaged on October 9 during a surge of vessel strikes by Iran.
According to Prof Steve Widdicombe, director of the Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre, the oil spill is likely to have an impact on the environment, although the extent of the damage is still uncertain.
The spill has raised concerns about the potential harm to marine animals and ecosystems, particularly in the Key Biodiversity Area near Siniyah and Khor Al Beidah islands, which is home to species such as green turtles and the critically endangered Halavi guitarfish.
