Salvage Operation of the Sounion Tanker Resumes

ATHENS (Reuters) – Experts will this week resume a risky operation to salvage the Sounion tanker, which was attacked multiple times by Yemen’s Houthis in the Red Sea last month. The tanker still holds about one million barrels of crude oil, according to maritime sources.

The towing of the 900-foot (274.2-meter) Greek-registered vessel was paused after the initial attacks deemed the project unsafe. The tanker was struck by multiple projectiles, lost power, and caught fire on August 21.

Officials have noted that the salvage operation will be particularly delicate due to the tanker’s full load and other complicating factors. Any spill could lead to one of the largest ship-related environmental disasters, posing significant risks in an already hazardous area.

The Houthis, who claim to be acting in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Gaza war, detonated charges on the tanker after the initial assault, causing additional fires. It remains unclear whether any explosives are still active.

At least two tugboats owned by a Greek salvage company are already on-site to assist with the towage. One source mentioned a planned action is in place and indicated progress, with towing operations expected to commence in the next two days.

The crew of the ship has been evacuated, and Greece has reached out to regional power Saudi Arabia for support. The Iran-aligned Houthi militants have indicated they would allow salvage teams to tow the Sounion to safety; however, they have also threatened to endanger salvage crews, complicating the operation and potentially risking lives.

Robert Wood, the deputy U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, highlighted these threats during a U.N. Security Council briefing.

To ensure the safety of the towage, the EU’s naval mission in the Red Sea, Aspides, will oversee and protect the vessels involved. A French frigate and a Greek frigate linked to Aspides are already present in the area.

Since November, the Houthis have damaged over 80 ships through missile and drone strikes, sinking two vessels, seizing another, and resulting in the deaths of at least three crew members.