Sounion salvage operation to resume this week
NewsMaritime experts are set to resume a delicate operation to salvage the Greek oil tanker Sounion, which remains on fire after being attacked by the Houthis.
Pentagon: Greek tanker leaking oil after Houthi attack
According to the Pentagon, the Greek oil tanker Sounion is leaking oil into the Red Sea after a Houthi attack, risking an environmental disaster.
The Greek oil tanker Sounion is leaking oil into the Red Sea following an attack by Houthi militants, according to the US Department of Defense. The vessel is carrying nearly 150,000 tonnes of crude oil.
General Pat Ryder of the Pentagon, the US Department of Defense, said: “The ship is on fire and leaking oil, which could cause an environmental disaster. The vibrant marine ecosystem in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, in the Houthis’ backyard, is at risk.”
The 164,000 dwt tanker, built in 2006 and operated by Delta Tankers, was attacked near Hodeidah, Yemen, on 21 August 2024, while transporting Iraqi crude oil to Greece.
Today, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES said on X that the operating assets in the area had reported that there were fires detected in several locations on the main deck of the vessel.
“There’s no oil spill, and the ship is still anchored and not drifting. To avert a catastrophic environmental crisis, EU NAVAL FORCES ASPIDES, in coordination with European authorities, is assessing the situation and stands ready to facilitate any courses of action. Successful mitigation will require close coordination and active participation of regional states,” EUNAVFOR ASPIDES added.
Oil spill risk
The attack has left the ship drifting and on fire, posing a significant environmental threat due to the risk of a major oil spill.
The Houthis, who control parts of Yemen, claimed the attack was in response to Delta Tankers violating a ban related to “occupied Palestine.” However, US officials condemned the attack as reckless, endangering global trade, sailors, and the marine environment in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Efforts to salvage the tanker have been complicated by Houthi threats against rescue operations. The US military is working with regional partners to prevent an environmental disaster and secure the safe removal of the vessel and its cargo.
Delta Tankers has stated it is doing everything possible to manage the situation, although the threat of a large-scale oil spill remains. The incident highlights ongoing instability in the region and the severe risks posed to maritime safety and the environment.
Credit: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES / X
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