EU’s Slow Progress Towing Stricken Oil Tanker Raises Environmental Concerns

Athens, Greece – The salvage operation of the Greek-owned oil tanker Sounion, struck by Houthi missiles in August, is moving at a “very slow pace,” according to a Greek military source. The tanker, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, was attacked off the coast of Hodeida, Yemen, raising fears of a catastrophic environmental disaster in the Red Sea.

The Sounion was initially hit on August 21st. The Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, later detonated explosives on the ship’s deck, igniting further fires. This complex situation has made the salvage operation particularly challenging.

The European Union’s naval mission, Aspides, is overseeing the towing of the Sounion to a “safe location” for further action. However, the mission acknowledged the operation’s complexity, with aerial images released on Sunday showing the tanker still emitting smoke while being escorted by warships.

While a Greek state news agency reported the escort included three frigates, helicopters, and a special forces team, the nationalities of the forces remain undisclosed. The Sounion‘s radars are also deactivated for security purposes.

Once the tanker reaches a secure location, efforts will focus on extinguishing the fire and securing the cargo to prevent leakage.

The Sounion‘s* 23 Filipino and two Russian crew members were safely evacuated by a French frigate attached to the EU mission.

The attack on the Sounion is part of a larger campaign by the Houthis against international shipping in the Red Sea. The group claims these actions demonstrate solidarity with Hamas amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel. Since November, Houthi attacks have resulted in the sinking of two ships and the deaths of at least four crew members.

The Houthis justify targeting vessels they deem connected to Israel, the US, and Britain. They have also directly attacked Israel, with a drone strike killing a civilian in Tel Aviv in July and a ballistic missile landing in an open field Sunday morning.