Salvage Operation for Greek Tanker "Sounion" Enters Critical Phase After Houthi Attack
Posted on Sep 19, 2024 at 09:09 PM
The EU maritime security mission in the Red Sea has successfully towed the Greek-owned tanker "Sounion" to a secure location, where the next stage of firefighting and salvage operations will begin.
On August 21, the Yemeni Houthi rebel group attacked the vessel three times, damaging its engine and leaving it adrift. After the crew was evacuated, Houthi fighters returned and detonated explosives on the deck, igniting multiple small fires that had been smouldering for weeks.
With the ship now in a safe area, the salvage crew can start the dangerous but essential task of extinguishing the fires and reducing the risk of a catastrophic oil spill. "This phase of the operation is a result of close cooperation between all stakeholders committed to preventing an environmental disaster that could impact the entire region," said EUNAVFOR Aspides, the EU naval partnership for Red Sea security.
Salvage Tug in Action
Given the significant risk of an oil leak impacting Yemeni coastal populations, Houthi officials assured that they would not attack the Western salvors, acknowledging the potential benefits a successful rescue would bring to the region. To ensure safety, EUNAVFOR partner fleets closely monitored the towing operation.
The salvage tug, identified as AHTS Aigaion Pelagos, is owned by the Greek company Megatugs Salvage & Towing. It is equipped for firefighting, anchor handling, and rig repositioning, with a bollard pull of 120 tonnes.
The tanker's AIS (Automatic Identification System) signal was reportedly turned off when it entered the southern Red Sea, as is often customary in the region.
Averting a Major Environmental Crisis
As the salvage operation enters its critical phase, the international community remains cautiously optimistic. The cooperation between all parties involved, including the Houthis, demonstrates that despite ongoing regional conflicts, there is a shared understanding of the catastrophic environmental and economic consequences a major oil spill could have on the Red Sea ecosystem and surrounding nations.
The successful completion of this salvage mission could set a precedent for future cooperation in similar maritime emergencies, highlighting the importance of collaboration in protecting vital global waterways from environmental disasters.
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