Oil spill off UAE coast widens as more beaches close

Satellite images show an oil spill off the UAE has widened and is nearing the coast of Umm Al Quwain. Authorities have closed beaches in several emirates while they assess and contain the spill; the tanker and cause have not been officially identified.

• Satellite images dated October 24 show the spill widening and approaching the shore of Umm Al Quwain.· 1 source
• Authorities closed beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain, Al Hamriyah Beach in Sharjah, and beaches in Ras Al Khaimah.· 1 source
• The UAE said containment efforts were underway and its environment ministry was conducting an assessment. Authorities have not named the tanker or said what caused the spill.· 1 source
• Experts cited in reports attributed the spill to a tanker struck by an unidentified projectile; the detailed report identifies it as the Gem No. 2, citing experts and shipping sources.· 2 sources