A Greek-flagged oil tanker, the Sounion, is currently posing a severe environmental risk after being attacked in the Red Sea. The tanker, which was carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, came under assault from projectiles and small arms fire, resulting in significant damage and loss of engine power.
The attack took place early Wednesday morning when two small boats, manned by 13 to 15 individuals, approached and fired upon the vessel, hitting it with at least three projectiles.
The 25-member crew of the Sounion was rescued by the European Union’s Eunavfor Aspides, a maritime security operation tasked with protecting commercial ships in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Gulf. The crew was safely transported to Djibouti, the nearest secure port. Meanwhile, the damaged tanker is now anchored between Yemen and Eritrea, awaiting relocation for repairs and further safety evaluations.
Greek Oil Tanker Attacked in Red Sea, Posing Severe Environmental Risk and Highlighting Security ChallengesThe United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the attackers engaged in a brief firefight with the tanker before launching the projectiles. Despite the attack, Greece’s shipping ministry confirmed that all crew members were in good health, although the ship sustained considerable material damage.
The crude oil cargo poses a serious navigational and environmental threat to the region. Eunavfor Aspides has emphasized the need for caution from all maritime entities to prevent worsening the current situation and to mitigate potential environmental damage.
The attack underscores the growing security challenges in the Red Sea, a crucial global trade route. The increase in such incidents, attributed to Iran-backed Houthi militants, has intensified since late November of the previous year, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions affecting maritime safety.