Tug Boats Begin Towing Houthi-hit MV Sounion Tanker [Photos]

The MV Sounion, a Greek-owned tanker damaged by Houthi attacks last month, is being towed in the Red Sea as part of a complex salvage operation led by the European Union’s Operation ASPIDES.

The salvage operation, which involves multiple phases, began with the successful connection of tugboats to the vessel.

The towing of the 900-foot Sounion, which is carrying about 1 million barrels of crude oil, is underway to move it to a safe location.

The European Union’s Operation Aspides, which is in charge of providing protection and support for the operation, confirmed the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The tanker caught fire after repeated attacks on August 21, 2024. It sustained major damages when Houthi militants planted and detonated explosives on the vessel.

The vessel continues to burn and complicate the salvage operation.

The next phase of the operation will be to transfer its hazardous cargo somewhere safe.

Environmental concerns are of the utmost importance during the salvage operation. Any possible leak can lead to one of the largest oil spills in history and have serious consequences on the marine environment of the Red Sea.

An earlier salvage attempt was called off due to safety concerns.

Saudi Arabia is expected to assist with the cargo transfer in the next phase, along with the European Union’s efforts.

The Greek-flagged tugboat Aigaion Pelagos has begun towing the tanker northward, accompanied by military vessels, including three frigates, helicopters, and a special forces unit.

The operation is being conducted under extremely challenging conditions, with temperatures up to 400 degrees Celsius (750 degrees Fahrenheit).

The Iranian-backed Houthis have targeted over 80 vessels since October 2023, killing at least four sailors.

They claim that the attacks are in retaliation for Israel’s military actions in Gaza, even though most of the targeted vessels have no connection to the conflict.

The Houthis claim that their attacks target vessels linked to Israel, the US and the UK.

In response to the escalating threat, the EU formed a naval force in February to protect merchant vessels in the Red Sea.

Reference: Eunavfor Aspides

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