The Greek-flagged ship Sounion has been engulfed in flames since August 23rd after an attack by Yemen’s Houthis. Despite the fire, there are no visible signs of an oil spill, according to the EU Red Sea naval mission Aspides. The Houthis, who control Yemen’s most populous regions, claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that it was in solidarity with Palestinians in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The EU mission released photos on Sunday, showing the ship’s main deck consumed by fire and billowing smoke. Fires were observed in at least five locations on the deck, with part of the superstructure also ablaze. The severity of the fire is evident from satellite images captured by the European Space Agency’s Copernicus Satellite 2, which showed smoke visible at sea near the last known location of the Sounion.
Despite the ongoing inferno, there have been no reports of an oil spill. This is a relief for environmentalists, as the Sounion was reportedly carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil at the time of the attack. An oil spill in the Red Sea could have devastating consequences for marine life and the surrounding ecosystem.
The attack on the Sounion is just one in a series of incidents involving Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. The Iran-aligned group has been targeting vessels in solidarity with Palestinians and as a response to the conflict in Gaza. These attacks pose a significant threat to maritime security in the region and have raised concerns among international organizations.
The EU Red Sea naval mission Aspides has been monitoring the situation closely and has expressed concern about the environmental hazard posed by the burning oil tanker. The mission is working to assess the potential impact on the marine environment and is ready to provide assistance if needed.
Efforts to extinguish the fire on the Sounion have been hampered by the ongoing conflict in Yemen. The country has been embroiled in a civil war since 2014, with the Houthis fighting against the internationally recognized government. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing food insecurity and a lack of access to basic services.
The attack on the Sounion highlights the need for increased security measures in the Red Sea. The international community must work together to ensure the safety of shipping lanes and protect the marine environment from potential disasters. This includes enhancing surveillance capabilities, sharing intelligence, and taking decisive action against those responsible for these attacks.
In conclusion, the Greek-flagged ship Sounion remains engulfed in flames after an attack by Yemen’s Houthis. Despite the severity of the fire, there have been no visible signs of an oil spill. However, the environmental hazard posed by the burning oil tanker is a cause for concern. The international community must take action to enhance security in the Red Sea and protect the marine environment from potential disasters.