Houthi Attack on Greek-Flagged Tanker in Red Sea Raises Environmental Concerns
A Greek-flagged oil tanker, the MV Sounion, reportedly began leaking oil following an attack by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, prompting warnings of a looming “potential environmental catastrophe” in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, CNN reports.
Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder confirmed that the vessel had been targeted as part of a sustained campaign by the Iran-backed Houthis against ships in the region.
The Sounion, carrying some one million barrels of crude oil, came under fire last week while en route from Iraq to Greece. The entire crew of 25, consisting of 23 Filipino sailors and two Russian nationals, has successfully evacuated the ship.
Images emerging over the past few days depict bright orange flames engulfing the vessel. According to US defense officials, the oil leaking from the Sounion appears to be from either fuel or engine oil. Although the barrels of crude oil are not currently aflame, concerns are growing that the fire could spread and ignite the onboard oil reserves.
The damage sustained by the Sounion has been described as posing a “navigational risk and a serious and imminent threat of regional pollution,” according to Eunavfor Aspides, a European Union maritime security operation designed to protect merchant vessels in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Gulf.
Another maritime captain likened the current fire situation to a gas stove, stating that while the fires on the deck are concerning, they are unlikely to spread significantly. He noted that extinguishing the flames would require a combination of foam and smothering techniques. Once the fires are extinguished, the situation can transition into a standard oil salvage operation.
Houthi attacks have escalated in the Red Sea, with reports indicating the sinking of at least two vessels and the deaths of three crew members in the region, which is critical for global trade as it connects to the Suez Canal — responsible for 10-15% of world trade, according to Reuters. The Houthis claimed the attack on the Sounion was due to a breach of their ban on ships entering ports in “occupied Palestine.”
In a statement to the broadcaster, the Iranian Permanent Mission to the United Nations announced that the Houthis would observe a “temporary truce” to allow rescue operations to reach the Sounion and extinguish the fire. However, they cautioned that as long as the conflict in Gaza continues, the Houthis will persist in targeting oil tankers bound for Israeli ports.
