Oil Tanker Sounion Attack: A New Threat in the Red Sea

Immediate Threat from Oil Tanker Sounion Attack

The recent attack on the oil tanker Sounion in the Red Sea poses a grave threat to the ecological stability of the region. Initial reports indicate that the Houthis, engaged in ongoing maritime conflicts, deliberately caused the explosion of this 274-meter long vessel. The tanker was reportedly carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, heightening concerns over a potential environmental catastrophe.

Rescue Operations and Environmental Concerns

On Thursday, a French naval vessel, part of the Aspides task force, successfully rescued the crew stranded aboard the Sounion. Although there was no visible fire upon their arrival, the EU’s Aspides stated that the vessel had been on fire following an earlier attack, leading to a significant environmental threat due to its cargo.

New Tactics from the Houthis

• The incident marks a shift in tactics for the Houthis, who have previously sunk ships but not deliberately destroyed abandoned vessels.
• The aftermath of the attack has sparked fears of oil spills, potentially releasing up to a million barrels of oil into the sea, echoing the catastrophic Exxon Valdez disaster.
• Statements from US officials emphasize the threats posed by these attacks not just to navigation but also to the livelihoods of communities reliant on the marine ecosystem.

As tensions escalate, the shipping industry is reevaluating routes through the Red Sea, traditionally a crucial link between the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.