Urgent Salvage Operation Ahead for Explosive-Laden Greek Oil Tanker in Red Sea

A salvage operation to recover the Greek oil tanker Sounion, stranded ablaze in the Red Sea after a Houthi attack, is set to begin soon. The operation faces complications as the tanker is rigged with explosives and could cause a massive oil spill, posing a significant environmental threat.

A critical salvage operation to recover the Greek-registered oil tanker Sounion, currently ablaze in the Red Sea after an assault by Houthi militants, is slated to commence within days, sources with inside knowledge revealed on Friday. The tanker, loaded with around 1 million barrels of crude oil, has reportedly been rigged with explosives by the Houthis, raising fears of a potential environmental catastrophe if a spill occurs.

The complexity of the operation is considerable, given the presence of explosives on board, according to sources. Greece issued a warning in a letter to the U.N. shipping agency, citing a 'potential spill' matching the tanker's location. However, European Union naval monitors attribute the spill to the tanker's engine rather than the oil cargo.

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi militants have permitted salvage teams to tow the ship, which has burned since August 23, to safety. Greece is collaborating with Saudi Arabia to secure regional assistance. Delta Tankers, the operator, remains focused on resolving the situation but has withheld further comments due to security concerns.

(With inputs from agencies.)