A BBC Verify investigation published on Friday, October 23, has uncovered fresh evidence linking the Jam No. 2 oil tanker to a major oil spill off the UAE coast. The incident forced the closure of all beaches in Umm Al Quwain and Al Hamriyah Beach in Sharjah.

According to the BBC, satellite images from October 19 show oil leaking from a vessel whose location and dimensions match those of the Jam No. 2. Images from October 21 show the oil slick had spread more than 35 kilometres from the tanker. The BBC also verified videos showing oil reaching the UAE coast and turning the water black along parts of the shoreline.

The Panama-flagged tanker was struck by an unidentified projectile on October 9, about 13 nautical miles west of Al Jazeera in Ras Al Khaimah, and caught fire. All 22 Indian crew members were rescued.