Conditions Not Met to Tow Burning Tanker in Red Sea

The EUNAVFOR operation in the Red Sea area has reported that the planned effort to tow the burning tanker Sounion, loaded with nearly one million barrels of crude oil, is not proceeding as planned. The force providing protection for the hired tugs issued a brief statement indicating that the conditions were not met for the towing operation to be safe, leading to the exploration of alternative solutions by the private companies responsible for the salvage operation.

Salvage teams had begun the operation to remove the disabled tanker that had been anchored in the Red Sea for almost two weeks after Houthi attacks caused significant damage. Three warships from Greece, France, and Italy were positioned near the tanker to provide security during the salvage operation. Reports suggested that a slow-speed tow to an undisclosed location was planned, but concerns about the vessel’s safety or dangers may have led to the operation being halted.

In a bid to prevent a potential environmental disaster, the Houthis have permitted the salvage operation to proceed for the sake of the environment. However, they also confirmed targeting another oil tanker, the Blue Lagoon I, managed from Greece and registered in Panama. Global concern remains high over the fate of the Sounion, as it has the potential to result in one of the worst oil spills in history. EUNAVFOR is committed to continuing its assistance to prevent such a disaster in the region.

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