Oil leak stopped at source, beaches remain closed

The ministry says the oil leak from the tanker has been stopped at its source, while beaches in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain stay closed. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed on Friday 30 October that the source of the spill from the tanker Gem No 2 has been stopped and that field assessments have detected no new leaks, that marine, aerial and satellite surveillance of the vessel and the slick continues, and that pollution intensity has declined noticeably, according to Gulf News and The National; the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is coordinating the work on the tanker with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, with specialist teams assessing its structure, restoring systems and repairing damaged sections before deciding how it is handled. Satellite images of 30 October showed the slick concentrated off Umm Al Quwain, with parts reaching the coasts of Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Sharjah, and the clean-up relies on mechanical recovery with chemical dispersants used under approved guidelines.

More than 35 beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah remain closed or restricted: all beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain, all public beaches in Ras Al Khaimah until further notice with restricted access at several hotels and resorts, and Sharjah's beaches since 28 October, after Al Hamriyah Beach on 23 October; the authorities say the closures are precautionary and do not mean that pollution has been detected at every location, and no reopening date has been announced in any emirate. Dubai's Jumeirah and Al Mamzar beaches were open with lifeguards on duty when Gulf News visited on 30 October, and no closure has been reported in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman or Fujairah. The ministry says fish and food products in local markets are safe to eat, Etihad Water and Electricity says drinking water supplies remain safe and that it is monitoring seawater at its intakes, and air quality is being monitored.

Visitors should follow official announcements before visiting coastal areas, check with their hotel or venue before setting out in Sharjah or the northern emirates, use Dubai's beaches for a beach day for now, and stay away from closed beaches and any oil washed ashore.