Tanker-related oil spill affects Umm Al Quwain coast

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment says a tanker-related oil spill has affected beaches in Umm Al Quwain, where cleanup and containment operations are underway and coastal areas are closed pending technical assessments. The ministry said its monitoring and environmental assessment system detected marine pollution along the emirate’s coast. Response teams, working with local and federal authorities, have begun containment, cordoning, cleanup and remediation to limit environmental damage. The ministry has not released completed survey findings establishing the spill’s extent or its effects on the marine environment. All beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain will remain closed until technical teams complete their assessments and identify measures needed to protect public safety and the environment, the ministry said. It urged fishermen and other sea users to follow official instructions and avoid fishing in affected areas while the response continues. The ministry also linked unpleasant odours reported in Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah and Ajman to the spill and said the odours posed no health risks. That assurance was issued by the ministry; the reports do not...