Satellite data released by Copernicus Sentinel on July 28 has identified an oil slick in the waters off the coast of Oman. The slick appears to originate from a tanker that has been stationary in the area for more than a month. According to reports, the vessel is part of Russia’s 'shadow fleet'—a group of tankers often used to bypass international sanctions.

While the presence of the slick is confirmed by satellite imagery, the circumstances surrounding the tanker remain uncertain. A maritime security firm informed AFP that the ship was damaged by explosions, though the specific cause of these blasts has not been determined. Environmental advocacy group Greenpeace has characterized the situation as an impending environmental catastrophe, citing the significant risks posed by leaking oil in the region.

There is currently no consensus on the status of the vessel's crew or the exact nature of the damage. While the imagery suggests a leak consistent with a ship-based origin, official investigations have yet to provide a definitive account of what occurred on board. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the safety and environmental impact of the shadow fleet, which operates with less oversight than traditional commercial shipping.