Sun Sep 15 16:07:31 UTC 2024: ## Damaged Oil Tanker Under Tow in Red Sea After Houthi Attacks
**ATHENS, Sept 14 (Reuters)** – The MV SOUNION, a Greek-registered oil tanker severely damaged by Houthi militant attacks last month, is now under tow in the Red Sea. The European Union’s Operation ASPIDES, which is providing protection for the salvage operation, confirmed the development.
The 900-foot vessel, carrying approximately 1 million barrels of crude oil, caught fire after multiple attacks on August 21. The Houthis later detonated explosives planted on the ship, intensifying the fires. The towing operation, considered the first step in a complex salvage process, aims to move the vessel to a safe location.
The next phase of the salvage operation will involve the transfer of the oil cargo. Experts have raised concerns about the potential environmental impact, as any oil spill could be one of the largest from a ship, risking catastrophic damage to the Red Sea. An earlier salvage attempt was halted due to safety concerns.
Sources indicate that Saudi Arabia is expected to assist with the cargo transfer. Operation ASPIDES emphasizes its role in contributing to maritime and environmental security by protecting the salvage operation.
This incident highlights the ongoing threats to maritime safety in the Red Sea, a crucial shipping route. The attack on the SOUNION has raised concerns about the vulnerability of merchant vessels to attacks and the potential for environmental disasters.
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