Red Sea Crisis: Attack on Greek Oil Tanker Raises Environmental Concerns

A Greek-flagged oil tanker, Sounion, carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil has been attacked by Houthis in the Red Sea, posing an environmental hazard. The attack, which aligns with the Iran-backed group's solidarity with Palestinians, led to a navigational threat and required EU naval intervention for the rescue.

A Greek-flagged oil tanker carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude has become an environmental hazard after being attacked in the Red Sea, according to the EU's Red Sea naval mission 'Aspides' on Thursday. The Houthis, who control large parts of Yemen, claimed responsibility, citing solidarity with Palestinians in the Israel-Gaza conflict.

The attacked vessel, Sounion, belongs to a company with alleged ties to Israel and was struck by multiple projectiles near Yemen's Hodeidah port. The attack resulted in a fire, which was extinguished by the crew, and caused engine failure, leading to the evacuation of its crew to Djibouti.

This marks the third attack on an Athens-based Delta Tankers vessel this month in the Red Sea, highlighting the growing peril in the region. The EU naval mission responded to the Sounion's distress call, destroying an unmanned surface vessel that threatened the tanker. The incident has spurred global concern over environmental and navigational hazards in the Red Sea.

(With inputs from agencies.)