Salvage Efforts Underway for Oil Tanker Attacked by Houthi Rebels

Salvage operations have started on the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion, hit by Houthi rebel attacks. Despite ongoing deck fires and minor oil leaks, no large oil spill has occurred. The EU's Red Sea naval mission is coordinating efforts to prevent an environmental disaster, following international concern and Houthi agreement to allow safe access for rescue crews.

Salvage operations have commenced on the abandoned Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion, which is still burning from attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels, the EU's Red Sea naval mission Aspides announced Thursday. Fortunately, no oil spill has been detected so far.

Houthi militants carried out multiple assaults, including planting bombs on the disabled 900-foot Sounion, which holds approximately 1 million barrels of oil. The Iran-aligned militants have agreed to allow the ship, on fire since August 23, to be towed to safety.

'It would appear, at least for now, that cooler heads prevailed,' said Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime, on LinkedIn. The Houthis have previously sunk two vessels during their 10-month drone and missile campaign against commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

(With inputs from agencies.)