A new salvage operation has commenced for an oil tanker in the Red Sea that was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The European Union naval mission, Operation Aspides, has been actively involved in escorting ships to assist the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion. The mission has worked to create a secure environment for tugboats to conduct the towing operation necessary to salvage the vessel.
The attack on the Sounion began on August 21st when the Houthis targeted the tanker. The crew, consisting of 25 Filipinos and Russians along with four private security personnel, was evacuated to Djibouti by a French destroyer. Subsequently, the rebels planted explosives on board the ship, raising concerns about a potential oil spill of the vessel’s 1 million barrels of crude oil into the Red Sea.
The Houthis have been responsible for targeting over 80 vessels with missiles and drones since the conflict in Gaza commenced in October. One vessel was seized during the campaign, resulting in the death of four sailors. The Tutor, another vessel, sank after explosives were placed by the rebels and its crew abandoned the ship following an earlier attack. The rebels claim to target ships associated with Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. to pressure an end to Israel’s campaign against Hamas in Gaza, despite many of the attacked vessels having no direct connection to the conflict.
Several missiles and drones launched by the rebels have been intercepted by a U.S.-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to reach their intended targets. The ongoing attacks on ships have caused concerns among international communities, particularly regarding the safety of vessels passing through the region. Despite the rebels’ justifications for their actions, the targeting of vessels not directly involved in the conflict raises questions about the motives and consequences of such attacks.
The salvage operation for the Sounion represents a critical step in preventing an environmental disaster in the Red Sea. The EU naval mission’s efforts to escort ships and create a secure environment for towing operations demonstrate a commitment to protecting both the vessel and the surrounding marine environment. As the conflict in the region continues to escalate, it is essential for international efforts to focus on safeguarding commercial vessels and preventing further attacks on maritime transportation routes in the Red Sea.
The escalating tensions in the Red Sea highlight the need for increased security measures to protect vessels operating in the region. The targeting of commercial vessels by the Houthi rebels poses a significant threat to maritime safety and requires a coordinated response from the international community. Efforts to salvage the Sounion and prevent an oil spill demonstrate the importance of swift and decisive action to address security challenges and protect vital shipping routes in the Red Sea. Additionally, the targeting of vessels with no direct connection to the conflict underscores the indiscriminate nature of the attacks and the need for diplomatic solutions to resolve the underlying issues fueling the violence in the region.
