A Greek-registered oil tanker presents an 'environmental threat' following an assault in the Red Sea.
The team of 25 aboard the Sounion oil tanker was saved following an attack, with assistance provided by a vessel hailing from Eunavfor Aspides, a defensive maritime security operation managed by the European Union. The operation's goal is to safeguard merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Gulf.
The now damaged and engine-less vessel is currently anchored in a location between Yemen and Eritrea, as reported by a maritime security source to Reuters on Thursday. Delta Tankers is currently developing a strategy to relocate the tanker to a more secure spot for necessary checks and repairs.
The tanker was approached at around 3 a.m. local time on Wednesday by approximately 13 to 15 individuals aboard "two small craft." Following a brief exchange of gunfire, the vessel was struck by at least three projectiles, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) report.
Every crew member on the Sounion is in good health, as confirmed by Greece's shipping ministry in a statement. However, the ship has suffered some material damage.
The 150,000 tons of crude oil now pose a potential hazard for navigation and the environment in the region, as stated by Eunavfor Aspides. All parties in the area are advised to exercise caution and avoid any actions that may contribute to worsening the situation.
The naval force transported all individuals aboard the ship to Djibouti, located in east Africa and serving as the nearest safe port of call. Before arriving at the Sounion, Eunavfor Aspides reportedly destroyed an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) it deemed an immediate danger to the ship and its crew. The force did not disclose the identity of those responsible for the attack.
Greece's shipping ministry labeled the attack on the oil tanker as a "flagrant breach of international law" and a significant threat to safe international navigation.
Attacks against container vessels in the Red Sea have been causing chaos on one of the world's most vital trade routes for several months. Iran-backed Houthi militants intensified their assaults on vessels in late November last year as retaliation for Israel's conflict with Hamas.
The incident has raised concerns about security in the Middle East, given the location of the stranded tanker. Efforts are underway to move the tanker away from the World's potentially volatile Middle Eastern waters to ensure a safer environment for its repairs.
