Dhofar – An oil spill originating from the grounded tanker Caroline Bezengi off the coast of Oman has expanded dramatically to cover approximately 150 km², according to Greenpeace Germany and satellite images reviewed by the Associated Press.

The spilled oil has reached parts of Qabliyah Island, a protected marine area that serves as a home for endangered seabirds and the Arabian Sea humpback whale.

The vessel, which is estimated to have carried more than 800,000 barrels of crude oil, has been stranded since June and faces sanctions from the UK, EU, Canada, and Switzerland over alleged links to Russian oil exports.

Environmental experts have warned that the vessel may be sinking deeper into the water with no visible signs of a major response operation underway.