Sounion salvage operation to resume this week
NewsMaritime experts are set to resume a delicate operation to salvage the Greek oil tanker Sounion, which remains on fire after being attacked by the Houthis.
Sounion salvage operation halted
Private companies halted the Sounion oil tanker salvage in the Red Sea, deeming it unsafe, and are now seeking alternative solutions.
The private companies responsible for the salvage operation of the Greek oil tanker Sounion, attacked by the Houthis in the Red Sea, have concluded that the conditions were not met to conduct the towing operation and that it was not safe to proceed, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES reported on X.
EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, an EU military mission in the Red Sea, also mentioned that private companies are now exploring alternative solutions.
“We remain concentrated on our original mandate, acting as a credible EU maritime security provider, aiming to contribute to the freedom of navigation of merchant vessels in our Area of Operation,” EUNAVFOR ASPIDES added.
On Monday, the mission informed that the salvage operation by private companies was about to start.
Since 1 September EUNAVFOR ASPIDES assets have been engaged in protecting the tugs involved in the Sounion salvage operation, aiming to facilitate the prevention of an unprecedented environmental disaster in the region.
The Sounion, owned by Greek company Delta Tankers, was struck near Yemen’s port of Hodeidah on 21 August 2024 and caught fire two days later.