Tugboats to Tow Damaged Greek Oil Tanker 'Sounion' Amid Red Sea Crisis

Tugboats are scheduled to start towing the severely damaged Greek oil tanker 'Sounion' on Sunday. The tanker is currently adrift and on fire in the Red Sea after an attack by Houthi forces which rigged it with explosives. The vessel is loaded with about 1 million barrels of crude oil, posing an environmental hazard.

On Sunday, tugboats are expected to commence towing the damaged Greek oil tanker, 'Sounion,' which is currently adrift and aflame in the Red Sea, reported Yemen's Houthi Foreign Minister Jamel Amer.

The Greek-registered 'Sounion' became an environmental hazard following an August 21 strike by Houthi forces. Laden with approximately 1 million barrels of crude oil, the vessel could cause a major ecological disaster if it spills. The tanker's condition has been further jeopardized by explosives planted by Houthi militants.

The Houthis announced on Wednesday that they would permit salvage crews to tow the burning ship to safety. However, any rescue operation will necessitate a thorough inspection and survey of the vessel to determine if it can be safely towed to a port or if a ship-to-ship transfer of its oil is required.

The Houthi rebellion, aligned with Iran, has been targeting commercial shipping as part of its campaign in the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, escalating risks for maritime activity in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)