SOUNION Tanker Successfully Towed to Safety After Houthi Attack in Red Sea

The Greek-registered oil tanker MT SOUNION has been successfully towed to a safe area in the Red Sea, as part of a complex salvage operation under the protection of the EU-led Operation ASPIDES.

The vessel, carrying approximately 1 million barrels of crude oil, was set on fire by Houthi militants last month after it was repeatedly attacked on August 21 as it transited the Red Sea. It had remained at anchor and on fire off the coast of Yemen until this weekend.

“Under protection of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES ??, MV SOUNION has been successfully towed to a safe area without any oil spill. While private stakeholders complete the salvage operation, ASPIDES will continue to monitor the situation,” ASPIDES reported on Monday.

The current towing operation marks the first step in a challenging salvage process, with the next phase involving the transfer of its cargo.

Environmental concerns remain a priority. The loss of the vessel could result in one of the largest tanker oil spills in history, risking catastrophic environmental damage in an area that is particularly dangerous to enter due to the threat of Houthi attacks.

Saudi Arabia is expected to assist with the cargo transfer, according to sources familiar with the plan.

“Acting as a credible EU maritime security provider, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES continues to contribute to the freedom of navigation in the area of operation and the protection of seafarers’ lives and global common goods,” ASPIDES said in its update.

Since November 2023, the Iranian-backed Houthis have attacked over 80 commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in the Israel-Gaza conflict. These attacks have led to the sinking of two ships and the deaths of four seafarers. Additionally, one vessel—the Galaxy Leader—remains captive along with its crew.

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