Greek Oil Tanker Attacked in Red Sea, Disrupting Global Trade

A Greek-flagged oil tanker, the Sounion, was attacked in the Red Sea, causing a fire and loss of power. The incident involved multiple projectiles and small arms fire. No crew members were injured. The attacks, attributed to Iran-aligned Houthi militants, have disrupted global trade routes.

A Greek-flagged oil tanker, the Sounion, was left adrift in the Red Sea on Wednesday after sustaining repeated attacks that ignited a fire and caused the vessel to lose power, according to the UK maritime agency. The vessel was initially attacked by two small boats around 77 nautical miles west of Yemen's port city of Hodeidah on Wednesday morning, as reported by the Greek shipping ministry and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The attacks led to a brief exchange of small arms fire, resulting in a renewed attack that caused the vessel to catch fire and lose engine power, the UKMTO confirmed. Despite the intensity of the assault, none of the 25 crew members, comprising two Russians and the remainder Filipinos, were reported injured. A maritime source informed Reuters that the vessel was expected to continue its journey using its own means.

The vessel's operator, Delta Tankers, confirmed that the ship had sustained minor damage and was adrift. The crew is currently assessing the situation, and the vessel will proceed with its journey, the company stated. Later on Wednesday, another ship reported two underwater explosions approximately 57 nautical miles south of Aden, according to UKMTO. The crew was reported safe, and the vessel continued to its subsequent port of call.

Iran-aligned Houthi militants have been launching attacks on international shipping near Yemen since last November, citing solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The ongoing assaults have led to U.S. and British retaliatory strikes on Houthi territories and caused significant disruptions in global trade, forcing ships to reroute from the Red Sea and Suez Canal to avoid the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)