Greek Oil Tanker Sounion Rescued by EU Navy After Red Sea Attack

An oil tanker, the Greek-flagged Sounion, was rescued by a ship from the European Union’s military operation, EUNAVFOR Aspides, after coming under attack in the Red Sea. The crew was saved and transported to Djibouti after the vessel lost engine power and was left adrift. The operation also destroyed an Unmanned Surface Vessel that posed a threat to the Sounion and its crew. The military operation emphasized the importance of protecting seafarers and maintaining freedom on the high seas.

The attack on the Sounion occurred when two small craft approached the ship, leading to a brief exchange of small arms fire. The ship was struck by unidentified projectiles, causing a fire and leaving it without engine power. Despite the material damage to the ship, all 25 foreign crew members were reported to be in good health. The Greek Shipping Minister condemned the attack as a violation of international law and a serious threat to international navigation.

The Houthi rebels, who control the Hodeidah port near where the attack took place, are suspected to be behind the incident. The rebels have been targeting ships in support of Palestinians and have attacked vessels not linked to specific nations. The Sounion tanker was en route to Iraq’s Port of Basra with crude oil when it was attacked. The ship’s operator, Delta Tankers, is assessing the damage before deciding whether to continue the journey to Iraq.

Source