EU Mission Averts Red Sea Environmental Crisis

The EU's Red Sea naval mission Aspides confirmed no oil spill on the Greek-flagged tanker Sounion, despite fires on its main deck. The Houthis allowed towing of the vessel, on fire since Aug. 23. The Pentagon noted crude oil barrels were intact despite leaks and ongoing fires.

The EU's Red Sea naval mission Aspides announced on Thursday that no oil spill has been discovered on the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion, despite multiple fires detected on the vessel's main deck.

The Houthis confirmed on Wednesday their agreement to allow towing of the Sounion, which has been ablaze since August 23. The EU mission expressed readiness to assist through coordination with European authorities and neighboring nations to prevent a devastating environmental crisis.

On Thursday, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh reported that although the barrels of crude oil carried by the Sounion remained intact, the ship itself was leaking some oil from the damaged area, with several fires still blazing.

(With inputs from agencies.)