Oil Tanker Sounion Declared Environmental Hazard Following Attack

Incident Overview

The Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion has become an environmental hazard due to an attack involving projectiles and small arms fire in the Red Sea. The vessel was carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, which now poses a significant risk to the surrounding maritime environment.

Details of the Attack

Around 3 a.m. local time, the Sounion was approached by two small craft carrying about 13 to 15 individuals. A brief exchange of fire occurred before the tanker was hit by three projectiles. Fortunately, the 25-person crew was rescued by Eunavfor Aspides, who are part of a European Union defensive maritime security operation.

Response and Recovery

The damaged tanker is currently anchored between Yemen and Eritrea. Delta Tankers is formulating a plan to safely relocate the vessel for necessary checks and repairs. According to Greece's shipping ministry, all crew members are in good health despite the material damage to the ship.

Implications for the Region

The presence of 150,000 tons of crude oil on board raises significant concerns about navigational safety and environmental protection. Eunavfor Aspides emphasized the need for caution in the area to prevent further escalation of the situation. The European naval force has already taken action against a threatening unmanned surface vessel prior to reaching the Sounion.

Legal and Safety Concerns

Greece’s shipping ministry condemned the attack as a flagrant violation of international law, which poses a serious risk to the safety of international navigation. The Red Sea has seen an uptick in such attacks, particularly from Iran-backed Houthi militants targeting container vessels.