US, Aug. 8 -- An environmental emergency developing off the coast of Oman is rapidly becoming a regional travel, tourism, maritime and economic story.

The Caroline Bezengi, a 274-meter sanctioned oil tanker associated with Russia's so-called shadow fleet, is sinking deeper after grounding near Al Qibliyah Island in Oman's Hallaniyat Islands, according to satellite imagery and independent environmental assessments.

The Associated Press reported Saturday that the affected sea surface had expanded to approximately 800 square kilometers by August 7, compared with roughly 45 square kilometers on July 26. The vessel was reportedly carrying close to one million barrels of Russian crude oil.

What is happening off Oman is therefore no longer s...