"Shadow fleet" tanker leaking oil near protected Omani waters

Reuters reviewed a video that showed the Caroline Bezengi off the coast of al-Qibliyyah island. It could not independently confirm the date the video was taken.

Russia uses ageing, often poorly maintained tankers in its so-called shadow fleet to circumvent Western sanctions on Russian oil exports. It was not clear if the leak was due to a malfunction or damage from a possible attack by Ukraine, which has targeted Russian related tankers, or from the conflict between the US and Iran in the Persian Gulf region.

The tanker first reported difficulties on June 8 off the coast of the southern Yemeni port of Mukalla, two separate maritime security sources said. One confirmed the spill. They said the cause of the vessel's problems was unclear.

The European Union and Britain have imposed sanctions on the vessel for what they said was involvement in carrying fuels from Russia.

(Editing by Philippa Fletcher)