Greek Oil Tanker Attacked and Adrift in the Red Sea

A Greek oil tanker, the Sounion, was attacked in the Red Sea, causing a fire and power loss. The incident involved multiple assaults and projectiles, but no injuries were reported among the crew. The ship, currently adrift, is expected to proceed on its journey once assessed.

A Greek-flagged oil tanker was left adrift in the Red Sea on Wednesday following a series of attacks that started a fire and led to a loss of power, as reported by the UK maritime agency.

The vessel, named Sounion, was initially targeted by two small boats and struck by multiple projectiles approximately 77 nautical miles west of Yemen's Hodeidah port city. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and the Greek shipping ministry provided these details.

In the midst of the attack, there was a brief exchange of small arms fire, according to UKMTO. An additional assault subsequently caused the fire leading to the vessel's incapacitation. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the 25 crew members, consisting mostly of Filipinos and two Russians, and the ship is expected to sail by its own means once the situation is assessed.

Delta Tankers, the ship's operating company, confirmed the Sounion's adrift status and minor damage. They mentioned that the crew was assessing the situation and the vessel would continue its journey once feasible. Another vessel in the vicinity later reported two explosions near the waters 57 nautical miles south of Aden, with the crew confirmed safe.

Tensions in the region have escalated due to Houthi militant attacks on international shipping near Yemen, aligned with their support for Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict. These events have drawn retaliatory strikes from the US and UK, significantly impacting global trade routes.

(With inputs from agencies.)