An oil slick caused by an oil leak from a tanker off the coast of the United Arab Emirates is spreading, raising serious concerns about the environmental impact and prompting authorities to close additional beaches.

New satellite images reveal that the pollution has been spreading in recent days, approaching the coastline of the northern emirate of Umm Al Quwain.

Images from the European Union’s Copernicus satellite monitoring system, dated October 24, show extensive dark patches of oil on the sea’s surface. The slick has spread across a large maritime area and is approaching the coast.

The tanker that was attacked

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates announced on Friday that operations to contain the spill were underway, while the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment was assessing the environmental damage.

So far, officials have not formally identified the tanker responsible for the pollution, nor have they clarified the exact circumstances that led to the leak.

However, according to experts cited by Reuters, the oil spill most likely originated from the tanker Gem No. 2, which was struck by an unidentified projectile last month. According to shipping sources, the impact caused a fire aboard the vessel, which was subsequently extinguished.

Sentinel-2 satellites operated under the European Union’s Copernicus programme detected a large concentration of oil that appears to have originated from the tanker in question.

Beaches close in three emirates

The spread of the oil slick has prompted authorities in several northern emirates to impose restrictions on access to coastal areas.

On Friday, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment announced the temporary closure of all beaches and coastal areas around the city of Umm Al Quwain until the necessary inspections have been completed.

Meanwhile, authorities in the neighboring emirate of Sharjah imposed a precautionary ban on access to Al Hamriyah Beach.

On Saturday, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, known for its beaches and luxury tourist resorts, announced similar measures. Local authorities stated that all beaches would remain closed until further notice.

The measures are intended to protect residents and visitors, while the relevant agencies work to determine the extent of the pollution and the direction in which the oil is moving.