Leak stopped, officials say

The United Arab Emirates said on Friday 30 October that an oil leak from the Gem No. 2 tanker had been stopped, with no new leakage detected. Cleanup operations are continuing along coastlines affected by the spill, state news agency WAM reported, citing the environment and energy ministries.

The remaining oil slick is concentrated off the northern emirate of Umm Al Quwain, extending partly towards coastal areas in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Sharjah. Officials said the density of marine pollution had declined markedly, although work to contain and remove the oil is not yet finished.

How the spill began

Authorities have not officially stated what caused the spill, but shipping sources told Reuters the vessel was struck by a projectile on 9 October, causing a fire that was later extinguished. The incident took place against a wider pattern of attacks on commercial vessels in Gulf shipping lanes since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran, which has raised security risks for maritime traffic.

Technical teams have repaired damaged parts of the tanker, restored some operating systems and are assessing the structure to decide the safest way to handle the vessel next. Maritime and aerial monitoring, supported by satellite imagery, is continuing.

Beaches closed as a precaution

Some beaches and coastal areas have been temporarily closed as a precaution. The environment ministry stressed that a closure does not necessarily mean pollution has been detected at every affected site, and said fish and food products in markets remained safe.

Cleanup teams are using mechanical recovery methods alongside chemical dispersants in line with international standards, while the work of clearing the coastline continues.

Sources: Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/uae-says-oil-leak-tanker-has-been-stopped-pollution-eases-2026-10-30/ ; UAE BARQ, https://www.uaebarq.ae/en/2026/10/30/oil-spill-from-gem-no-2-tanker-contained-environmental-remediation-continues-along-affected-uae-coastlines/