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The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment announced that its technical monitoring and environmental assessment system detected a tanker oil spill affecting beaches in Umm Al Quwain. According to the ministry, odours reported by residents in Sharjah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain pose no health risks. Specialised teams immediately initiated containment, cordoning, cleanup and remediation operations together with local and federal authorities to limit damage to the marine environment. Coastal surveys, ongoing monitoring and further assessments aim to establish the spill’s full extent while protecting surrounding waters.
All beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain have been temporarily closed until technical teams complete their evaluations and establish required safety and marine protection steps, the ministry said. Fishermen along with other sea users must follow official directives and avoid fishing within the impacted zones. The ministry additionally urged the public to consult verified government channels for information and refrain from circulating unconfirmed reports on the developing situation.
Emirates 24|7 reported the ministry’s position under the headline “Widespread odours caused by marine oil spill, no health risk to residents: UAE ministry,” detailing how the spill prompted swift coordinated action across multiple agencies. The coverage aligned with the ministry’s statement confirming that environmental response efforts had begun without delay following initial detection of the pollution. Such measures reflect established protocols for addressing marine incidents along the UAE coastline.
The spill traces back to damage on the Gem No.2 tanker, which maritime agencies identified as the vessel struck by a suspected drone attack between October 9 and 10, The National reported. All 22 Indian sailors aboard the 330-metre ship were rescued after the strike triggered a fire that crews later brought under control. The incident occurred 13 nautical miles west of an Emirati island outside the Strait of Hormuz, according to shipping sources cited by the publication.
Reuters noted that the event contributes to broader worries over maritime security in Gulf waters where commercial vessels have faced repeated threats in recent weeks. The ministry’s statement stopped short of naming the specific tanker or detailing the spill’s precise volume and trajectory. Containment work continues as currents have carried some oil toward the shore, prompting the beach restrictions now in place.
Precautionary steps have included sealing off polluted shoreline segments to reduce any potential contact with washed-up material, the ministry added. Assessments will guide the timeline for reopening the closed areas once conditions allow safe public access. Monitoring efforts persist to track any changes that could influence marine habitats or coastal ecosystems in the northern emirates.
