Greece and Saudi Arabia in Talks to Avert Massive Oil Spill from Stricken Tanker

Diplomatic efforts are underway to find a solution and prevent a potentially catastrophic oil spill from the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion. The tanker was attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels, who have targeted merchant shipping in the region.

The tanker remains on fire, and with each passing day, the risk of its 1 million barrels of oil spilling into the sea is increasing. Private salvage companies have concluded that the conditions are too dangerous to proceed with towing operations.

With the private sector efforts stalled, Greece and Saudi Arabia are now holding talks to explore alternatives. One option being considered is to pump the oil directly out of the ship on-site. Another is to tow the vessel, despite the risks, to a Saudi port, likely Jeddah.

Time is of the essence, as the flames continue to eat away at the tanker's structure, bringing the threat of an explosion and uncontrolled spill closer. Experts warn that if the oil is released, the currents could carry the slick as far as South Africa, causing an environmental disaster of unprecedented scale.

The Greece-Saudi Arabia discussions come at a time when relations between the two countries are at their strongest. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has invested heavily in strengthening ties, including the recent extension of Patriot missile defense support to Saudi Arabia.

Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou, a seasoned diplomat, will travel to Saudi Arabia in the coming days to lead the talks on the Sounion's fate, as well as to begin negotiations for a Supreme Cooperation Council between the two nations. This could help boost Saudi investment in the Greek economy.

Greece is also maintaining close regional cooperation, with tripartite talks involving Cyprus scheduled for the sidelines of the UN General Assembly later this month. There are also indications that Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Ati may visit Athens in the near future for discussions with his Greek counterpart, George Gerapetritis.

The race is on to find a solution that can avert a catastrophic environmental disaster in the region.