ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates announced Friday that it had contained an oil spill from a tanker involved in an incident in its territorial waters, while cleanup operations continued along several affected coastal areas.The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said it was coordinating with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and other relevant agencies to secure the tanker GEM NO. 2 and minimize potential risks, according to the state news agency WAM.Technical teams are continuing repairs to damaged sections of the vessel, restoring some operational systems and assessing its structural integrity to determine the safest way to handle the tanker.The ministry confirmed that no new oil leakage had been detected, while maritime and aerial surveillance, supported by satellite imagery, remained in place.Meanwhile, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment said its teams were continuing field surveys, environmental monitoring and cleanup operations in coastal areas affected by the spill.Satellite imagery available as of Friday showed that the oil slick was concentrated off the coast of Umm Al Quwain, extending partially toward coastal areas of Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Sharjah.The ministry reported a significant decline in pollution concentrations, although efforts to contain the spill and address its environmental impact were ongoing.Cleanup operations have primarily relied on mechanical oil recovery methods, with chemical dispersants also used in accordance with international standards and approved technical guidelines.Authorities emphasized that public safety remained their top priority.The ministry clarified that temporary closures of several beaches and coastal areas were precautionary and did not necessarily indicate that contamination had been detected at every location.The restrictions were introduced to protect public health and the marine environment while cleanup operations continued.Etihad Water and Electricity also reassured residents that drinking water supplies remained safe.The company said it had implemented precautionary measures to monitor seawater quality and conduct tests on produced and distributed water, without disrupting supplies to consumers.Authorities have not disclosed the nature or cause of the tanker incident or specified when it occurred.On Oct. 23, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment announced the temporary closure of all beaches and coastal areas in Umm Al Quwain after detecting marine pollution caused by an oil spill from a tanker.
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