Tanker attacked by Houthis could be leaking oil - US
The Greek-flagged MV Sounion is on fire after being attacked several times last week, the Pentagon says.
Oil Tanker Fire and Potential Spill in Red Sea Amid Houthi Attacks
The oil tanker MV Sounion, attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea last week, remains engulfed in flames and may be leaking oil, according to the US Pentagon.
Despite salvage efforts, the Houthis have obstructed attempts to access the vessel, threatening further attacks. The Greek-owned and flagged tanker carries over 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, equivalent to one million barrels, posing a significant environmental threat.
A major spill from the Sounion could rank among the largest ship-related spills in history. The Iran-backed Houthis claim to have attacked ships in the Red Sea for 10 months, allegedly targeting vessels linked to Israel or its allies.
However, these claims are often false. The Sounion was initially hit by gunfire and projectiles, causing a fire and disabling its engines. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office reported the incident.
The 25 crew members were rescued by a European warship and taken to Djibouti. The tanker was subsequently attacked again, with the Houthis posting a video purportedly depicting them setting it on fire.
The US State Department expressed concern over the attacks, warning of a potential spill four times the magnitude of the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster. Pentagon spokesman Maj-Gen Patrick Ryder stated that salvage efforts using two tugs were hindered by Houthi threats.
The US is collaborating with regional partners to mitigate any environmental impact from the vessel. The ongoing conflict and Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea raise concerns about the safety of maritime traffic and the potential for environmental catastrophe.
The oil tanker MV Sounion, attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea last week, remains engulfed in flames and may be leaking oil, according to the US Pentagon.
Despite salvage efforts, the Houthis have obstructed attempts to access the vessel, threatening further attacks. The Greek-owned and flagged tanker carries over 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, equivalent to one million barrels, posing a significant environmental threat.
A major spill from the Sounion could rank among the largest ship-related spills in history. The Iran-backed Houthis claim to have attacked ships in the Red Sea for 10 months, allegedly targeting vessels linked to Israel or its allies.
However, these claims are often false. The Sounion was initially hit by gunfire and projectiles, causing a fire and disabling its engines. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office reported the incident.
The 25 crew members were rescued by a European warship and taken to Djibouti. The tanker was subsequently attacked again, with the Houthis posting a video purportedly depicting them setting it on fire.
The US State Department expressed concern over the attacks, warning of a potential spill four times the magnitude of the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster. Pentagon spokesman Maj-Gen Patrick Ryder stated that salvage efforts using two tugs were hindered by Houthi threats.
The US is collaborating with regional partners to mitigate any environmental impact from the vessel. The ongoing conflict and Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea raise concerns about the safety of maritime traffic and the potential for environmental catastrophe.