Rescue operations for the Greek oil tanker 'Sounion', which was attacked by Houthi rebels in Yemen in August, began on Saturday. The tanker, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, was targeted, posing a risk of an environmental disaster in the Red Sea. A Greek defense source announced that the tugboat 'Aegion Plagos', under military escort, has started towing the tanker northward. The rescue team successfully boarded the tanker and connected the towing cables. The Greek state news agency 'ANA' also reported that the tugboat is being accompanied by three frigates, helicopters, and a special forces team. Additionally, a Greek firefighting vessel is on standby to provide assistance if needed. The European Union's maritime mission in the Red Sea stated that the rescue operation for Sounion is essential to prevent a potential environmental disaster in the region. The tanker was hit by Houthi missiles near the coast of Al Hudaydah on August 21, and the Houthis subsequently set off new fires by placing explosives on the ship's deck. The crew of the tanker, consisting of 23 Filipinos and two Russians, was rescued the day after the attack by a French warship. A previous attempt to salvage the tanker earlier this month was made, but the responsible private companies reported that conditions for towing were not suitable and safe. The tanker continued to burn until September 12, but no signs of oil leaking from the main tank were observed. Since last November, the Houthis have continued their attacks by firing drones and missiles at vessels in vital commercial routes as a show of solidarity with the Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas. Greece's intention to remove the damaged Sounion tanker from the Red Sea; two tugboats have been dispatched to the area. CENTCOM confirmed the Houthi attacks, supported by the Iranian government, on two other tankers in the Red Sea. The rescue operation for the Greek tanker in the Red Sea has begun; the European Union: no leaks have been observed yet. The Houthis detonated parts of the abandoned Greek tanker in the Red Sea with bombs. The European Union rejected the United States' view: no oil leak has occurred from the Sounion tanker in the Red Sea. The Islamic Republic's representation, referring to the environmental sabotage by the Houthis, stated: 'They agreed to a temporary ceasefire.' The U.S. Department of Defense warned: the Greek tanker continues to burn in the Red Sea and is polluting the sea. The United States warned of a potential environmental disaster in the Red Sea due to the continued destructive actions of the Houthis.
Salvage and Rescue Operations for Damaged Greek Oil Tanker in the Red Sea Have Begun
The Greek oil tanker 'Sounion', attacked by Houthi rebels in August, is undergoing salvage operations in the Red Sea to prevent an environmental disaster. The operation is being supported by Greek military assets and the European Union, while the U.S. warns of ongoing pollution from the burning tanker. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the threat posed by Houthi actions.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The Greek oil tanker 'Sounion' was attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, leading to a complex salvage operation to prevent an environmental disaster. Greek military and EU assets are involved in the rescue efforts, while the U.S. warns of ongoing pollution risks.
- The tanker was carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil.
- The crew was rescued by a French warship after the attack.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Houthis, backed by Iran, have been involved in a prolonged conflict in Yemen, often targeting vessels in the Red Sea as part of their military strategy.
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