Greek Oil Tanker Ablaze in Red Sea After Houthi Attack, Pentagon Reports
A Greek-flagged oil tanker remains on fire in the Red Sea following a Houthi attack, with reports of oil leakage. Salvage efforts thwarted by threats, raising concerns over maritime security and environmental impact.
The Greek-flagged crude oil tanker Sounion continues to burn in the Red Sea, now reportedly leaking oil, following an attack by Yemen's Houthis, according to a Pentagon statement on August 27, 2024. The incident, which occurred approximately a week ago near Yemen's port city of Hodeidah, has raised significant concerns about maritime security and environmental risks in the region.
Patrick Ryder, Air Force Major General and Pentagon spokesman, revealed that attempts to salvage the vessel have been impeded by Houthi threats. Two tugboats dispatched by a third party were forced to abandon their rescue mission due to the risk of attack. The Sounion, carrying an estimated 1 million barrels of crude oil, now poses a substantial environmental threat to the area's delicate marine ecosystem.
"These are simply reckless acts of terrorism which continue to destabilize global and regional commerce, put the lives of innocent civilian mariners at risk and imperil the vibrant maritime ecosystem in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the Houthis' own backyard."
The Houthis, a Zaidi Shia Muslim movement controlling Yemen's most populous regions, claimed responsibility for the attack. Their actions are reportedly in solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023.
This incident marks the third attack on vessels operated by Athens-based Delta Tankers in the Red Sea this month alone. The frequency of these assaults highlights the escalating tensions in this crucial maritime corridor, which serves as a vital route for global oil transportation.
The Red Sea, home to diverse marine life including over 1,000 fish species and extensive coral reefs, faces severe ecological risks from potential large-scale oil spills. Such environmental damage could have long-lasting impacts on coastal communities, affecting livelihoods in fishing and tourism sectors for decades to come.
The international community, including the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization, has expressed growing concern over the increasing attacks in the Red Sea. These incidents not only threaten global commerce but also risk further destabilizing the region, which has been embroiled in a complex civil war since 2014.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on containing the environmental damage and ensuring the safety of maritime traffic in this strategically important waterway. The incident underscores the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflicts in Yemen and the broader Middle East region to prevent further escalation and protect vital global trade routes.
