Sun Sep 15 13:36:08 UTC 2024: ## Slow Progress Made on Salvaging Attacked Tanker in Red Sea
**Hodeida, Yemen** – The towing of the Greek-flagged tanker “Sounion”, which was struck by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in August, is proceeding slowly, according to a Greek military source.
The operation, which began yesterday, involves a tugboat escorted by three frigates, helicopters, and a special forces team. The tanker, carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, was attacked by the Houthis on August 21st, threatening a potential environmental disaster in the Red Sea.
The EU’s Red Sea naval mission, Aspides, is overseeing the operation. They confirmed that the tanker is being towed to a “safe location”, but aerial shots released by Aspides show the vessel still emitting smoke.
The Greek source stated that once the tanker reaches its safe mooring, efforts will be made to extinguish the fire and prevent further leaks from its cargo.
The ship’s crew, consisting of 23 Filipinos and two Russians, was rescued the day after the attack by a French frigate.
The Houthi attacks have been ongoing since November, resulting in the sinking of two ships and the deaths of four crew members. They claim the attacks target vessels linked to Israel, the US, and Britain in solidarity with Palestinians during the recent conflict in Gaza.
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