Radio Liberty: The United Arab Emirates has announced that all beaches in Ras al-Khaimah have been closed until further notice. This decision comes a day after confirming an oil spill from a tanker in the waters of the Persian Gulf and the closure of beaches in Umm al-Quwain and part of Sharjah.
The Public Services Department of Ras al-Khaimah, in a statement released on Saturday, October 24, asked citizens and tourists to refrain from visiting the beaches until further notice. The department did not state a reason for the beach closures.
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed on Friday that an oil spill from a tanker near the coast of Umm al-Quwain caused pollution in the waters of the region.
Following this incident, all beaches in Umm al-Quwain and Al Hamriyah Beach in Sharjah were closed, and operations to contain the pollution and clean up the coastal areas began.
According to Reuters, a maritime security expert identified the tanker "Jam No. 2" as the probable source of the oil spill. This tanker was struck by an unknown projectile and caught fire on October 9.
UAE officials have not yet officially announced the name of the tanker responsible for the pollution or the cause of the oil spill.
An examination of satellite images shows that the oil slick near the UAE coast may cover an area of about 160 square kilometers. Experts have warned that ocean currents could carry the pollution to desalination plants and the ports of Sharjah and Ajman.
Source: Entekhab
