Greek Oil Tanker Stranded in Red Sea After Houthi Attack

Greek Oil Tanker Stuck in the Red Sea After Houthi Attack

A Greek oil tanker, the MV Delta Sounion, has found itself stranded in the Red Sea following a brazen attack by Houthi rebels, an Iran-backed militia that exerts control over significant portions of northern Yemen. This incident has raised alarms as the Houthis have recently intensified their efforts to disrupt critical shipping routes, expressing solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza.

Currently, the Delta Sounion has been immobilized for over a week, making it vulnerable to further assaults and giving rise to serious concerns regarding a potential environmental catastrophe. The tanker was transporting approximately one million barrels of crude oil at the time of the attack.

After the crew was evacuated, the Sounion remains in waters monitored by Houthi patrols. Although the Houthis have indicated a willingness to permit a rescue operation, the process of moving the vessel is expected to be fraught with danger.

Details on the Incident

Here’s what we know about the unfortunate predicament of the stuck tanker:

• Attack Details: The MV Delta Sounion was navigating through the southern Red Sea when it came under assault from Houthi-controlled vessels on August 21, as reported by the European Union’s naval mission operating in the region.
• Crew Safety: Fortunately, no crew members were killed or injured during the attack. However, the ship did sustain significant damage, resulting in a loss of engine power.
• Crew Evacuation: The vessel’s crew, consisting of 23 Filipino and two Russian sailors, was safely evacuated to Djibouti, located on the Horn of Africa.