Major Oil Spill From Attacked Tanker Forces Closure Of UAE Beaches

What happened: The UAE confirmed a tanker oil spill affecting Umm Al Quwain's beaches and closed them. Reports link the leak to the GEM NO.2 tanker, which was hit by a projectile off the UAE coast in an October 9 incident. Key numbers: Incident date October 9. Smell reports began October 19. Why it matters: Authorities began containment, cordoning, clean-up and remediation to limit environmental impacts. Fishing boats were advised to steer clear until a full environmental assessment is done, and the report notes more such incidents could follow amid stepped-up attacks on shipping.

The UAE confirmed a tanker oil spill affecting Umm Al Quwain's beaches and closed them. Reports link the leak to the GEM NO.2 tanker, which was hit by a projectile off the UAE coast in an October 9 incident.

Authorities began containment, cordoning, clean-up and remediation to limit environmental impacts. Fishing boats were advised to steer clear until a full environmental assessment is done, and the report notes more such incidents could follow amid stepped-up attacks on shipping.