The towing operation of the oil tanker Sounion, which was attacked by Yemeni Houthi rebels in August, has commenced to prevent a potential ecological disaster. This tanker, carrying over 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, had been abandoned off the coast of Yemen and poses a significant environmental risk if not handled properly. A source from the Greek Ministry of Defense confirmed that the operation began on Saturday, with the tugboat Aigaion Pelagos gradually towing the Sounion northward, escorted by military vessels.
The European Union's naval mission in the Red Sea, known as Aspides, is overseeing this operation, emphasizing its necessity to avert an environmental catastrophe. Experts warn that if the tanker were to break up or explode, it could lead to an oil spill four times larger than the infamous Exxon Valdez disaster of 1989. The tanker was previously anchored near the rebel-controlled port city of Hodeida, which is strategically located between Yemen and Eritrea.
The Houthi rebels have been targeting shipping in the region, claiming these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel. This has raised concerns about the safety of maritime traffic in this crucial trade route, prompting international responses including the establishment of a maritime coalition led by the United States and the United Kingdom. The situation surrounding the Sounion highlights the enduring risks posed by abandoned oil tankers in conflict zones, reminiscent of the long-standing threat from the FSO Safer supertanker off Yemen's coast.
- The Sounion, which lost power and caught fire following an attack on August 21, had its crew evacuated by a French frigate. Subsequent claims by the Houthis indicated further damage to the ship, raising alarms over potential oil leaks. The ongoing civil war in Yemen has complicated efforts to manage such threats, as seen in the recent successful transfer of oil from the FSO Safer, underscoring the need for proactive measures in safeguarding maritime environments.
