The MV Sounion, an oil tanker at the center of a major environmental scare in the Red Sea, has been successfully salvaged following a Houthi rebel attack that left it burning for weeks, according to security firm Ambrey. The incident had raised fears of a catastrophic oil spill in the crucial waterway, reports Associated Press.
The Incident
The Greek-flagged tanker, carrying 1 million barrels of crude oil, was attacked on August 21 by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The assault involved small arms fire, projectiles, and a drone boat. Subsequently, the rebels planted explosives on the vessel, igniting it in a propaganda stunt. The attack formed part of the Houthis’ escalated campaign linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
A French destroyer, operating under the European Union’s Operation Aspides, rescued the Sounion’s 29 crew members and private security personnel, transporting them to Djibouti.
Salvage Efforts
After extensive efforts, including extinguishing fires, patching cargo tanks, and stabilizing the ship, the vessel was towed to Suez in early October for offloading. The oil removal process was successfully completed, mitigating the threat of a spill that the U.S. State Department had warned could have been “four times the size of the Exxon Valdez disaster.”
“Over three challenging weeks, the fires were extinguished, cargo tanks patched and pressurized with inert gas, and the vessel declared safe,” Ambrey stated, crediting the operation to a collaborative effort involving a European naval force and specialized salvagers.
Regional Impact and Ongoing Conflict
The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have launched over 100 attacks on merchant vessels since October 2023, citing the need to pressure Israel into ending its military campaign in Gaza. Their attacks have resulted in the seizure of one ship, the sinking of two others, and the deaths of four sailors. Despite claims of targeting Israeli-linked vessels, many of the ships attacked had no ties to the conflict, including some heading for Iran.
Israel has responded by targeting Houthi military infrastructure in Yemen, including strikes on the Hizaz power station and ports in Hodeidah and Ras Isa, which reportedly injured three individuals.
Current Situation
While Houthi attacks on vessels have decreased in recent weeks, the rebels continue to fire drones and missiles at Israeli targets, keeping tensions in the region high.
