IMO Secretary-General Condemns ‘Cowardly’ Attacks on Shipping in Red Sea

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has expressed serious concern over the recent attack on the MT Sounion, a Greek-flagged oil tanker, in the Southern Red Sea.

The vessel, carrying approximately one million barrels of crude oil, was targeted by multiple projectiles and later detonated with explosives placed by the Iranian-backed Houthis last week. The vessel remained afloat and on fire as of Wednesday.

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez condemned the attack, stating, “This is yet another unacceptable attack on international shipping, putting the lives of innocent seafarers at risk.” He added, “The risk of an oil spill, posing an extremely serious environmental hazard, remains high.”

While initial reports from the Pentagon suggested the vessel was leaking oil, the EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES on Wednesday reported fires on the main deck but no oil spill. The ship remains anchored and not drifting, ASPIDES said.

The attack is part of a series of drone and missile strikes by Houthi militants on international shipping, who began targeting vessels in the region in November in support of Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas war.

Attempts to salvage the Sounion have been hampered by Houthi threats to attack rescue tugs, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

“IMO is in communication with national, regional and UN entities, as well as other stakeholders regarding the ongoing incident, and we are ready to offer support with any technical assistance to address the ongoing safety, security and environmental challenges posed by the stricken vessel,” said Secretary-General Dominguez.

“I continue to monitor the situation closely and reiterate my call for an immediate end to the illegal, cowardly and unjustifiable attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea area. Merchant ships trading essential supplies and the seafarers serving on them should be free to navigate worldwide, unhindered by geopolitical tensions,” he added.

EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES has warned passing vessels to proceed with caution due to the navigational risk and potential for regional pollution. They are working with European authorities to assess the situation and facilitate action to prevent a potential environmental crisis.

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