A Greek-flagged vessel attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea is reportedly leaking oil, raising concerns of a potential environmental catastrophe in one of the world's busiest waterways. The Sounion, a crude oil tanker, came under attack by the Iran-backed group, resulting in a barrage of projectiles hitting the ship. The incident is part of a series of attacks on ships along the maritime route by the Houthi rebels.
The attack on the Sounion is believed to be in response to the Israeli offensive in Gaza, with the Houthis citing the Israeli military actions as the reason for their targeting of the vessel. The ship, carrying approximately one million barrels of crude oil, was sailing from Iraq to Greece when it was attacked, leading to a fire on board and potential oil leakage.
The Pentagon has expressed concerns about the situation, highlighting the navigational hazard and the risk of an environmental disaster posed by the leaking oil. The crew of the vessel, consisting of 23 Filipino and two Russian sailors, has been evacuated.
Efforts are underway to contain the situation and prevent further damage. The burning oil leak on the Sounion is believed to be either fuel or engine oil from the vessel itself, with the barrels of crude oil not currently on fire. However, there is a significant risk that the ongoing fire could spread and ignite the million barrels of crude oil on board.
The European Union's maritime security operation, Eunavfor Aspides, has highlighted the navigational risk and the potential for regional pollution due to the damage to the vessel. While fires have been detected on the main deck of the Sounion, efforts are being made to prevent their spread.
The Houthis have previously targeted ships in the Red Sea, resulting in casualties and sunk vessels. The group's actions have raised concerns among shipping groups and governments, with calls for an end to the attacks to avoid disruptions to global trade.
The Iranian-backed group has announced a temporary truce to allow for rescue operations to extinguish the fire on the Sounion. However, they have indicated that further attacks on oil tankers bound for Israel may occur as long as the conflict in Gaza continues.
The international community, including the US State Department, has urged the Houthis to cease their attacks on shipping routes and prevent potential environmental disasters. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with maritime conflicts and the importance of safeguarding vital waterways.
While efforts are underway to address the situation on the Sounion, the incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures to protect vessels and prevent disruptions to global trade.
