Private companies involved in salvaging the Sounion tanker, which was attacked by Yemen’s Houthis in the Red Sea, are exploring other options after the towing operation was deemed unsafe, the European Union’s naval mission said on Tuesday.
The Sounion, struck on Aug. 21 and reportedly rigged with explosives, is carrying about one million barrels of oil and is still on fire. The EU’s naval force Aspides has pledged protection to tugboats involved in the salvage operation.
“The private companies responsible for the salvage operation have determined that the conditions were not suitable for towing and that it was unsafe to proceed,” Aspides stated in a post on X on Tuesday. “Alternative solutions are now being explored.”
If a spill occurs, it could potentially be one of the largest from a ship in history, leading to an environmental disaster in a perilous area. The operation is ongoing, with further assessments required due to the complex conditions.
The Iran-aligned Houthi militants have agreed to allow salvage teams to tow the ship to safety, with the crew already evacuated. Delta Tankers, the vessel’s operator based in Greece, declined to provide additional comments.
Sources familiar with the matter emphasized the need for a reassessment of the salvage plan, citing high risks and the necessity for more technical resources and staff. The Houthis have previously targeted the waterway, citing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
Overall, the salvage operation for the Sounion tanker remains a critical and challenging task, with potential environmental and geopolitical implications. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.