Based on satellite imagery, 5 major oil slicks have been identified in the Strait of Hormuz.
Sea-news.az reports citing the Asharq Al-Awsat publication, that this was stated in an assessment by the environmental protection organization “Greenpeace”.
According to the organization’s data, the oil pollution has spread to the Iranian coast, as far as protected areas near Qeshm Island. Extensive mangrove forests are located on the island. Two of the oil slicks are reported to have been recorded on the Omani coast of the Strait of Hormuz. This area is considered an important stopover for migratory birds.
Greenpeace does not rule out that the oil slicks may have originated from damaged oil tankers. However, the organization emphasized that this version is only a possible probability.
At the same time, it is noted that it is difficult to link the oil pollution in the area to specific vessel attacks. Simultaneously, the limited data obtained from ship identification systems also makes it impossible to say anything definitive on this matter.
According to preliminary assessments by ecologists, the visible total area of the oil slick was approximately 400 square kilometers on September 11, and 600 square kilometers on September 12. The reason for the expansion of the slick’s area has not yet been determined.
