Overview
- Authorities detected an oil slick off Umm Al Quwain that extended toward parts of Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Sharjah and launched a multi-agency response using ships, aircraft and satellite imagery to track the pollution.
- Officials report the leak has been stopped at its source and no new oil has been detected, and they have observed a noticeable decline in pollution intensity during ongoing surveys.
- Specialised salvage and response teams are stabilising and repairing the damaged tanker Gem No. 2 while assessing its structural integrity to determine safe next steps for the vessel.
- Cleanup continues with mechanical containment such as booms and skimmers and the controlled use of dispersants under international guidelines, with field teams focusing on shoreline protection and recovery of oil at sea.
- Precautionary beach closures remain in place, authorities are monitoring desalination intakes and drinking water, and officials say food and fish on local markets are safe while they continue environmental testing.