UAE Shuts Beaches as Gem No.2 Oil Slick Expands

UAE authorities closed beaches and coastal zones on Thursday as oil from a struck tanker reached the shore.

The slick originates from the crude oil tanker Gem No.2, which was hit by an unknown projectile on October 9. The attack occurred just north of the town of Al Jazeera Al Hamra, near the Strait of Hormuz.

Satellite data reviewed by BBC Verify and the intelligence firm MAIAR shows the leak grew rapidly. A small leak appeared on October 19, but images from Wednesday show the slick stretching more than 35 kilometers, or 22 miles, from the vessel. Verified video from Friday captures the dark oil turning the water black as it washes onto the sand.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment stated it began containment measures immediately to limit environmental impacts. The department identified Umm Al Quwain, a city in the north, as a primary area of concern.

Prof Steve Widdicombe, director of the Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre, noted that an impact on marine life is inevitable. He explained that spills can kill wildlife quickly by trapping turtles, smothering seabirds, or damaging fish gills. He added that long-term exposure to toxic compounds in the oil could affect the reproductive abilities of local species.

The oil slick extends toward Siniyah and Khor Al Beidah islands. This area is recognized as a Key Biodiversity Area with habitats including corals, seagrasses, and saltmarshes. It is home to green turtles and the critically endangered Halavi guitarfish.

Eoghan Darbyshire, a scientist at the Conflict and Environment Observatory, described the spill's proximity to these islands as the most concerning environmental angle. Researchers caution that it is too early to determine the severity of the damage, as outcomes depend on the volume of oil, evaporation rates, and the effectiveness of the clean-up.

The Panama-flagged Gem No.2 was one of a record number of ships attacked in and around the strait in early October. Security experts told BBC Verify that the strikes are part of an Iranian effort to assert control over the waterway. This follows the US military escorting more vessels through the area, leading to attacks on commercial ships from both sides.

Iranian state media shared footage of the ship ablaze on October 10, claiming the vessel was using an unauthorized and dangerous route. The Indian consulate in Dubai confirmed on October 11 that all 22 Indian crew members were rescued. A similar oil spill reached Iran's Qeshm Island in August, threatening local ecosystems and fishing communities.