Houthi Attack Ignites Greek Oil Tanker in Red Sea

The Greek-flagged crude oil tanker Sounion has been ablaze in the Red Sea since August 23 following an attack by Yemen's Houthis. Carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, the vessel poses a significant environmental threat. The attack is part of the Houthis' solidarity with Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Greek-flagged crude oil tanker Sounion has been on fire in the Red Sea since Aug. 23 after an attack by Yemen's Houthis, but fortunately, there are no obvious signs of an oil spill, according to the EU Red Sea naval mission Aspides. The EU mission shared photos dated Sunday that depicted the fire and smoke emanating from the vessel's main deck.

A verified Houthi video shows the fiery assault on the Sounion, which is carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil. Shipping officials have labeled the situation an environmental hazard. The fire has affected part of the Sounion's superstructure and flames are visible at multiple points on the vessel's main deck. A potential spill could rank among the largest from a ship in recorded history. The Houthis have targeted ships in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Their attacks over the past 10 months have already sunk two ships and killed at least three crew members, causing significant disruption by prompting vessel owners to avoid the Suez Canal.

The Sounion is the third vessel operated by Greece's Delta Tankers to be targeted by Houthi attacks this month. The militants have accused Delta Tankers of violating their prohibition on entry to Palestinian ports. Satellite images from the European Space Agency's Copernicus Satellite 2 reveal smoke in the area where the Sounion was last detected. Reuters corroborated the location using LSEG ship tracker information. British and U.S. forces have been actively neutralizing Houthi drones and missile launch sites, but experts suggest the attacks will likely continue until a ceasefire in Gaza is achieved.

(With inputs from agencies.)