Oil Tanker Hit By Houthi Attack In The Red Sea Still Burning After 3 Days

Oil Tanker On Fire — Image Credits: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES/X

The Greek-flagged tanker targeted by the Houthis in the Red Sea remains on fire for three days, but no oil leak has been reported.

Sounion was the recent target of the Houthis, who continue to attack Red Sea Shipping, demanding an end to the war in Gaza, which has killed thousands of citizens, women and children.

Houthi Attacks have disrupted the one trillion dollar trade that crosses the region and have also resulted in a halt of aid shipments to Yemen and Sudan.

Burning tanker — Image Credits: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES/X

Images circulating online showed smoke from several areas along the tanker’s decks and bridge.

The fire was seen burning in 9 locations onboard the tanker carrying 150,000 tonnes of Iraqi Crude oil, approximately a million barrels. Flames were also seen close to the hatches of its oil tanks.

EU mentioned that the tanker is a navigational and environmental hazard and the attack not only hampered navigation but threatened the lives of seafarers, the health of the marine environment and the safety of people living in the area.

The U.S. warned of environmental catastrophe, given that the Red Sea is home to diverse coral reefs and underwater habitats.

Videos showing blasts on the tanker released by Houthis and analysed by the Associated Press suggest that the Houthis boarded an abandoned vessel and fitted it with explosives to sink the tanker completely.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that these attacks show that Houthis want to destroy the fishing industry that Yemenis and other communities depend on for their livelihood, just as they try to prevent humanitarian aid from reaching the needy.

The news channel of the Houthis mentioned that the tanker was attacked as a punishment to the company which owns it as it violated the decision to ban access to Israeli Ports.

Sounion tanker was repeatedly attacked by Houthis last week, and a French naval destroyer saved its crew members comprising 25 Filipinos and Russians and four security personnel, taking them safely to Djibouti.

Reference: Reuters

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