Greek Oil Tanker Ablaze in Red Sea After Houthi Attack
A Greek-flagged oil tanker, targeted by Houthi militants, burns in the Red Sea. The uncrewed vessel, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, poses an environmental threat as it drifts between Yemen and Eritrea.
In a concerning development in the Red Sea, a Greek-flagged oil tanker has been reported to be on fire following an attack by Yemeni Houthi militants. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a Royal Navy capability, confirmed on Friday that three fires were blazing on the vessel, which appears to be drifting uncrewed between Yemen and Eritrea.
The incident began on Wednesday when the Sounion tanker was initially damaged by repeated Houthi attacks, resulting in a fire and loss of engine power. Subsequently, a European warship evacuated the crew of 25, leaving the vessel anchored and unmanned. The Houthis, who control Yemen's most populous regions, claimed responsibility for the attack on Thursday, stating it was part of their ongoing campaign against commercial shipping in support of Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The situation has raised significant environmental concerns. The EU naval mission Aspides, launched in February 2024 to protect shipping in the Red Sea, warned that the damaged tanker, carrying 150,000 metric tons of crude oil, poses a substantial environmental hazard. The Red Sea, known for its diverse marine life including over 1,200 species of fish, could face devastating consequences if an oil spill occurs.
This attack is part of a broader pattern of maritime insecurity in the region. The Houthis, a Zaidi Shia Islamic movement that emerged in Yemen in the 1990s, have been conducting a campaign against commercial shipping for the past 10 months. Yemen, the poorest country in the Middle East, has been embroiled in conflict, with Iran accused of supporting the Houthis, though Tehran denies direct military involvement.
The incident highlights the strategic importance of the Red Sea, one of the world's saltiest bodies of water and a crucial maritime route. The nearby Suez Canal, connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, handles approximately 12% of global trade. Any disruption to shipping in this area can have far-reaching economic implications.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely. The potential for an environmental disaster looms large, with oil spills known to have long-lasting effects on marine ecosystems. The incident also underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, involving multiple state and non-state actors.
"We attacked the Sounion oil tanker as part of our campaign to support Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza."
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began with a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, continues to have ripple effects throughout the region. As tensions persist, the safety of maritime trade routes and the environmental integrity of the Red Sea remain at risk.
