Specialists stabilize the damaged vessel GEM NO.2 while environmental teams work to contain pollution along northern emirates’ coastlines.
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Field assessments have detected no new oil leaks from the tanker GEM NO.2 following an incident in UAE territorial waters, as joint federal and local operations continue to contain coastal pollution, authorities announced on Friday.
Specialist technical teams are working on the vessel to repair damaged sections, restore key operating systems, and evaluate hull integrity to determine safe handling options. Coordinated by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure alongside the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA), the emergency response aims to reduce associated navigational and environmental risks.
Sea and air monitoring teams, supported by satellite tracking, confirmed that the leak has been halted at its source. Satellite imagery dated Friday, October 30, shows the slick concentrated off Umm Al Quwain, extending partly toward coastal sections of Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Sharjah.
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment reported a noticeable decrease in pollution intensity. Recovery operations are deploying mechanical containment systems alongside internationally approved chemical dispersants to treat the affected marine waters.
Precautionary coastal closures remain in effect across selected beaches to facilitate survey operations and protect the public. Environmental authorities clarified that closures do not indicate confirmed contamination at every restricted site, affirming that seafood and market food supplies remain entirely safe for human consumption.
Air quality tracking continues across neighboring zones, while Etihad Water and Electricity confirmed that drinking water supplies remain unaffected. The utility implemented proactive intake testing and quality verification at seawater intake stations prior to distribution into the public supply network.
National crisis teams affirmed that all technical resources remain mobilized to safeguard marine navigation, protect coastal ecosystems, and track environmental indicators until remediation concludes.
