UAE Says Gem No. 2 Tanker Leak Has Stopped as Coastal Cleanup Continues

UAE authorities said on October 30 that the oil leak from the Gem No. 2 tanker had stopped, while teams continued removing pollution from affected coastlines. The latest inspections found no further leakage, according to an assessment by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Repairs and environmental monitoring remained under way. The ministry said “no new oil leakage has been detected.” Specialists were repairing damage, restoring the vessel's operating systems and assessing the hull before determining how to handle the tanker safely. Sea patrols, aerial observation and satellite monitoring continued. Friday's imagery showed remaining pollution concentrated off Umm Al Quwain, with some extending toward Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Sharjah. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment reported a marked reduction in pollution but said teams were still surveying and cleaning affected shores. The response relied mainly on mechanical recovery, with chemical dispersants used under approved standards. Authorities said beach closures were precautionary and did not mean that every closed location was contaminated. The environment ministry also said fish and food available in local markets remained safe. Etihad Water and Electricity said it was monitoring intake water and conducting tests before distribution. It said the precautionary measures would not interrupt water supplies. Authorities said field operations and official updates would continue as repair work and coastal remediation proceeded.