Risky Salvage Operation Begins for Greek Oil Tanker in Red Sea

A multi-phase operation has commenced to tow the damaged Greek oil tanker, MV Sounion, stranded in the Red Sea following an attack by Houthi militants. The complicated mission, involving Greek and Saudi assistance, aims to avert an environmental catastrophe by salvaging the vessel and transferring its cargo.

A multi-phase operation has commenced to tow the Greek-registered oil tanker, MV Sounion, stranded in the Red Sea following an attack by Houthi militants last month. The operation's first step is to bring the 900-foot vessel to safety.

The vessel, which caught fire after being repeatedly attacked on August 21, holds approximately 1 million barrels of crude oil. Saudi Arabia is expected to assist in the subsequent transfer of this cargo, sources have revealed to Reuters.

A potential oil spill from MV Sounion could result in catastrophic environmental damage. The initial salvage effort was paused for safety reasons, but at least two Greek-owned tugboats are currently engaged in towing the vessel. Aspides, the EU's naval mission in the Red Sea, is providing necessary security for the operation, which it described as a 'complex endeavour' and vital to preventing environmental disaster.

(With inputs from agencies.)