The beach in the eastern coastal town of Kalba, part of the UAE emirate of Sharjah, has been closed following an 800-metre-long spill, said a report.

Equipment and personnel were mobilised to clean up the area and identify the source of the oil spill, reported Gulf News, citing Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA).

Oil spills often occur when crude oil leaks from tankers, offshore platforms, and drilling rigs said the report.  

Earlier, the oil spill was spotted by the coast guard in the area opposite Kalba’s cultural centre. “We have moved to contain the oil spill and remove the residual oil stain,” remarked EPAA chief Hana Saif Al Suwaidi.

“Efforts have been be made from the moment the spill was detected and our team spared no efforts in containing the oil spill,” she added.