Greek Oil Tanker Ablaze in Red Sea After Houthi Attack
A Greek-flagged oil tanker was attacked by Houthi militants in the Red Sea, resulting in three fires on board. The incident raises environmental concerns due to the vessel's large crude oil cargo.
On August 23, 2024, reports emerged of a Greek-flagged oil tanker, the Sounion, experiencing three fires on board in the Red Sea. This incident occurred one day after the vessel was evacuated following an attack by Yemeni Houthi militants.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported the fires, noting that the vessel appeared to be drifting. The Sounion, carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, now poses a significant environmental threat to the region, according to the EU's Red Sea naval mission Aspides.
The Houthis, who control Yemen's most populous areas, claimed responsibility for the attack. Their military spokesman, Yahya Saree, stated in a televised speech that the Sounion was targeted due to alleged ties with Israel and violation of a ban on entry to ports in occupied Palestine.
This attack marks the third incident involving vessels operated by Athens-based Delta Tankers in the Red Sea this month. The Houthis have been targeting ships in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023.
The Red Sea, a crucial waterway connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal, has become increasingly dangerous for maritime traffic. This 2,250 km long seawater inlet is home to over 1,000 species of fish and plays a vital role in global trade.
The attack on the Sounion resulted in a loss of engine power, leaving the vessel anchored between Yemen and Eritrea. This situation highlights the growing security concerns in the region and the potential environmental impact of such incidents.
Greece, known for having one of the largest merchant fleets globally, now faces challenges in ensuring the safety of its vessels in this volatile area. The incident also underscores the importance of maritime security for international trade, particularly in strategic waterways like the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.
As tensions continue to escalate, the international community faces the dual challenge of maintaining safe shipping routes and preventing potential ecological disasters in the Red Sea, which is home to diverse marine life and bordered by several nations, including Yemen, the poorest country in the Middle East.
"Sounion belongs to a company that has ties to the Israeli enemy and violated the ban decision of entry to the ports of occupied Palestine."
The ongoing situation raises concerns about the long-term impact on regional stability, environmental preservation, and global oil trade. As efforts to address these challenges continue, the international community remains vigilant in monitoring developments in this critical maritime region.
