Salvage Operation Suspended for Burning Oil Tanker in Red Sea Targeted by Houthi Rebels

Salvagers have halted their initial efforts to tow a burning oil tanker in the Red Sea, citing safety concerns, the European Union’s naval mission announced on Tuesday.

The vessel, named Sounion, was targeted by Yemen’s Houthi rebels and remains stranded with approximately 1 million barrels of oil onboard, raising fears of a significant environmental disaster.

According to the EU’s Operation Aspides mission, the conditions were deemed too hazardous to continue the towing operation. The private companies responsible for the salvage efforts have decided to explore alternative solutions. The exact reasons for the safety concerns were not detailed, but ongoing fire aboard the vessel and the threat of further attacks are likely contributing factors.

The Sounion was attacked by the Houthis on August 21, with the rebels using small arms fire, projectiles, and a drone boat. The crew of 25, consisting of Filipinos and Russians, along with four private security personnel, were rescued by a French destroyer and taken to safety in Djibouti. The Houthis later released footage showing the vessel being set ablaze, a tactic they have used previously.

The incident threatens to escalate into one of the most severe environmental disasters in recent years. The US State Department has warned that a spill from the Sounion could be four times the size of the Exxon Valdez disaster of 1989. Efforts to manage the situation are complicated by the ongoing conflict and attacks by the Houthis, who have targeted over 80 merchant vessels since October.

The Houthis have suggested they might allow salvage operations to proceed but have been accused of using the threat of environmental damage to negotiate with the international community. The rebels assert that their attacks are aimed at vessels linked to Israel, the US, or the UK, in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza. However, many targeted ships have had no direct connection to the conflict.

Currently, the US Navy is not involved in the Sounion’s salvage or cleanup efforts, as the EU mission has taken over operations. The US has, however, been conducting airstrikes against Houthi missile systems, with recent strikes targeting a Houthi missile system in Yemen.

Matthew Bey, a senior analyst at the RANE Network, cautioned that the Houthis are likely to continue their attacks as long as the conflict in Gaza persists. He noted that the rebels have gained significant benefits from targeting shipping, which could incentivize further attacks.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.