The Greek-flagged crude oil tanker Sounion, attacked by Yemen’s Houthi forces in the Red Sea, remains on fire and is leaking oil, according to the Pentagon.
The tanker was carrying about 1 million barrels of crude oil when it was struck by multiple projectiles near the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah on 21 August. The Houthis, who control much of Yemen, claimed responsibility for the attack, citing their solidarity with Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Meanwhile, the vessel has been experiencing a fire onboard since the attack. On August 26, an EUNAFOR ASPIDES unit transiting the area reported that there are fires on at least 5 locations observed on the main deck of the vessel.
“Reports of Greek tanker Sounion under attack in Red Sea and leaking oil are deeply concerning. The Pentagon warns of potential environmental catastrophe. Monitoring the situation closely. #Sounion #RedSea #OilSpill #EnvironmentalCatastrophe 🚢🛢️” pic.twitter.com/AS6Fey9vMP
— TOP X News (@TOPXNews) August 28, 2024
As Reuters reports, efforts to salvage the Sounion have been hampered by Houthi threats against rescue operations. The U.S. military and regional partners are assessing how to assist the vessel and mitigate environmental damage.
