The damaged tanker Sounion, attacked by the Houthis off Yemen, successfully transited the Suez Canal. The operation, managed by Ambrey and Mega Tugs, offloaded 150,000 tons of crude oil in Greece. The Canal Authority oversaw the complex operation, highlighting the challenges of towing the heavily damaged vessel without steering control.
More than three months after the Houthi attack on the laden tanker Sounion, the damaged vessel has been successfully unloaded, averting a potential catastrophic oil spill. Greek officials confirmed the completion of the oil removal process at the anchorage south of the Suez Canal, raising concerns about the extent of the Houthi’s actions.
Houthi militants have stepped up attacks on merchant ships, focusing on tankers and vessels linked to Israel. The product tanker Olympic Spirit was hit in the Red Sea, with minor damage reported. The militants claimed responsibility for the attack and threatened more strikes on ships associated with Israel, America, and Britain.
Yemen’s Houthi group has granted permission for tugboats and rescue ships to reach the damaged crude oil tanker, the Sounion, in the Red Sea. The tanker, carrying 150,000 tonnes of oil, poses a significant environmental threat. The Houthis agreed to allow access after international pressure, despite ongoing conflict in the region.
The Liberia-flagged tanker Delta Blue, weighing 158,000 tons, survived a rare multi-day attack by the Houthis using speed boats, RPGs, missiles, and drones. Despite no damage reported, analysts speculate on the motive behind the assault due to the vessel’s lack of connections to primary Houthi targets. Armed guards successfully defended the ship, emphasizing the importance of security measures at sea.
The Philippines government is working to secure the release of crewmembers of the hijacked car carrier Galaxy Leader, some of whom are unwell. The vessel has been held in Yemen by Houthi forces since November 19, 2023. Concerns for the health of the crew, including reports of malaria, have prompted calls for their humanitarian release.
British security firm Ambrey reported a merchant vessel encountering two explosions near Yemen’s Mocha. One missile hit water, the other detonated in the air. The vessel, previously silent on its location, shared details with Ambrey. The firm investigates potential Houthi connections. The region faces increased security risks, with the Houthi group carrying out attacks in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
In the past 24 hours, US forces intercepted and shot down three maritime drones linked to Yemen’s Houthi group in the Red Sea. Centcom emphasized the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and condemned the Houthis’ actions. The US military’s response underscores the commitment to protecting international waters and ensuring the security of vessels in the region.
On June 23, 2024, a merchant ship was struck by a drone in the Red Sea, 65 nautical miles west of Hodeidah, Yemen, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UK MTO). The ship confirmed all crew members are safe. This incident follows a claim by Yemen-based Houthis of hitting a commercial vessel with a ballistic missile after visiting an Israeli port.
The UKMTO reported an incident 82 nautical miles south of Yemen’s Aden, where Houthi militia, aligned with Iran, have been attacking ships in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Authorities are investigating the incident, as the militants continue launching drone and missile strikes in the region, impacting shipping routes and raising fears of further conflict.
Details of the attack on the MSC Orion (158,000) were confirmed by maritime security forces, indicating a troubling extension of the Houthi’s drone range. The vessel, 300-400 nautical miles from Yemen, reported an explosion from a “Uncrewed Aerial System.” Experts believe Iran-made drones are being used, posing new challenges for shipping routes.
The UKMTO received a report of an explosion near a commercial ship in Yemen. The ship sustained no damage and continued its journey. Authorities are investigating, warning ships to be cautious. Pro-Iranian rebels launched attacks post-Israel’s Gaza operation. Stay updated with Nova News on WhatsApp and social media channels.
The Red Sea region remains tense as the Houthis continue attacks, consulting with Hamas. The fate of the car carrier Galaxy Leader is in Hamas’ hands, while the Houthis threaten to expand attacks into the Indian Ocean. Recent targeting of vessels based on outdated information has raised security concerns. The crew of the Galaxy Leader, mostly Filipino, remains captive, with their release dependent on the situation in Gaza.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced deploying a six-member defence team to the Middle East to enhance maritime security in the Red Sea. This move aligns with efforts to address the Iranian-allied Houthi group’s attacks on civilian ships, in response to Israel’s Gaza military campaign.
The 17 Filipino seafarers who were taken hostage by Houthi rebels are being “treated well and are in good health,” the DFA said on Monday. An official from Yemen met with the seafarers aboard the MV Galaxy on January 2, said DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza.
