Authorities say pollution from the Gem No. 2 oil spill has dropped noticeably as clean-up continues along the coast.
News Today Desk
Pollution from the oil spill that followed the Gem No. 2 tanker accident has dropped noticeably, UAE authorities said on Friday. The spill is concentrated off the coast of Umm Al Quwain and extends partly towards coastal areas in Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Sharjah, and teams are still cleaning up.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said pollution intensity has fallen across the affected coast. Authorities have not reported a fresh spill from the tanker, and the leak has been stopped at its source. The oil slick, as of Friday, October 30, is concentrated off Umm Al Quwain.
Mechanical methods are being used to control the oil, alongside chemical dispersants applied in line with international standards. Teams are carrying out surveys, monitoring and cleaning across the coastal areas that have been hit.
Beaches in Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah have been closed temporarily as a precaution. Officials stressed that this does not mean pollution has been found at every site on the list. The closures are there to protect public safety and give survey and treatment teams room to work.
Residents and visitors are asked to follow the instructions of the relevant authorities on restricted coastal areas. Because the closures can change, it is worth checking the latest notices before heading to the coast.
Federal and local authorities said food and fish products in local markets are safe to eat. The Union Water and Electricity Company said drinking water safety remains a top priority. It is monitoring seawater quality at intake points and checking that treated water meets approved standards before it enters the supply network. Authorities have assured customers that water supply will not be affected.
Specialist teams are working to stabilise and repair the Gem No. 2. That includes fixing damaged sections, restoring some operating systems and checking the structure to find the safest way to handle the vessel. Maritime and aerial surveillance continues, and satellite imagery is being used to watch for any new developments.
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Authorities say all capabilities and resources remain mobilised to protect shipping and the marine and coastal environment. The next signs to watch are whether the beach closures are lifted and whether further surveys confirm the decline in pollution.
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