The Greek-registered oil tanker MT SOUNION has been efficiently towed to a protected space within the Purple Sea, as a part of a fancy salvage operation underneath the safety of the EU-led Operation ASPIDES.
The vessel, carrying roughly 1 million barrels of crude oil, was set on hearth by Houthi militants final month after it was repeatedly attacked on August 21 because it transited the Purple Sea. It had remained at anchor and on hearth off the coast of Yemen till this weekend.
“Underneath safety of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES ??, MV SOUNION has been efficiently towed to a protected space with none oil spill. Whereas non-public stakeholders full the salvage operation, ASPIDES will proceed to observe the scenario,” ASPIDES reported on Monday.
The present towing operation marks step one in a difficult salvage course of, with the following section involving the switch of its cargo.
Environmental issues stay a precedence. The lack of the vessel may end in one of many largest tanker oil spills in historical past, risking catastrophic environmental harm in an space that’s notably harmful to enter because of the risk of Houthi assaults.
Saudi Arabia is predicted to help with the cargo switch, based on sources acquainted with the plan.
“Performing as a reputable EU maritime safety supplier, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES continues to contribute to the liberty of navigation within the space of operation and the safety of seafarers’ lives and international widespread items,” ASPIDES stated in its replace.
Since November 2023, the Iranian-backed Houthis have attacked over 80 business ships within the Purple Sea and Gulf of Aden, claiming solidarity with Palestinians within the Israel-Gaza battle. These assaults have led to the sinking of two ships and the deaths of 4 seafarers. Moreover, one vessel—the Galaxy Chief—stays captive together with its crew.
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