Pratik Bijlani –
The Sounion, a Greek-flagged oil tanker carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, was attacked in the Red Sea on Wednesday, resulting in a major maritime security situation. Two small boats approached the vessel about 77 nautical miles west of Yemen’s port of Hudaydah. The attackers opened fire on the Sounion before it was hit by three unidentified rockets. These hits started a fire on board and left the ship without engine power, sending it adrift.
The attack was confirmed by both the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the Greek Shipping Ministry. A European warship patrolling in the region successfully rescued the 25 crew members on board. The strike, claimed by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, is apparently part of a larger campaign to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians in the middle of the ongoing Israel-Hamas confrontation in Gaza.
The Sounion is the third vessel operated by Athens-based Delta Tankers that has been targeted in the Red Sea this month. According to the EU’s Red Sea naval mission, Aspides, the fire onboard poses a serious environmental risk due to the tanker’s massive cargo of crude oil. The Sounion was believed to be drifting between Yemen and Eritrea, increasing concerns about the possibility of an oil spill in the area.
This incident highlights the growing challenges to marine security in the Red Sea, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Yemen and broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The international community remains on high alert as the situation progresses.
Marex Media
