Oil tanker attacked in Red Sea threatens environment

The crew of the Greek oil tanker Sounion has been rescued after the vessel came under attack in the Red Sea. The ship, carrying 922,000 barrels of Iraqi crude oil, now poses a serious environmental threat as it drifts between Eritrea and Yemen.

The Sounion, managed by Delta Tankers, was hit by projectiles on 21 August, causing a fire and engine failure. A second attack occurred the next day, prompting a rescue mission by the EU naval security force EUNAVFOR Aspides.

A French naval vessel, part of the mission, destroyed a threatening drone and safely evacuated all 25 crew members, who were transported to Djibouti.

The ship’s drifting raises environmental concerns due to the large amount of crude oil on board. The EU maritime mission has warned of the potential for an environmental disaster and urged caution in the area. Delta Tankers is working on plans to move the Sounion to a safer location for inspection and repairs.

The Houthi militant group from Yemen has claimed responsibility for the attacks, citing regional tensions. They also claimed to have targeted another ship, Sw North Wind I.

The Red Sea has seen increased attacks on commercial vessels, highlighting the ongoing risks to shipping in the region.