The Greek-flagged oil tanker, Sounion, was attacked by more than a dozen individuals in two small boats while it was traveling from Iraq to Athens. The attack took place about 77 nautical miles west of Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah. Multiple projectiles were fired at the ship, leading to a brief exchange of fire between the attackers and the crew. The ship subsequently caught fire, causing it to lose engine power and maneuverability.
Following the attack, the European Union’s Red Sea naval mission responded to a request for assistance from the shipping company and the ship’s captain. The crew, consisting of 23 Filipinos and two Russians, abandoned the vessel and were rescued by the EU mission. Thankfully, there were no reports of injuries to the crew members. Additionally, the EU mission successfully neutralized an Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) that posed a threat to the ship and its crew.
Greece’s Maritime Affairs Minister condemned the attack on the Sounion, describing it as a clear violation of international law and a serious threat to international shipping security. The ship, operated by Delta Tankers, sustained minor damage and was reported to be adrift. It was the third Delta Tankers-operated vessel to be targeted, with two previous attacks taking place earlier in the month on separate tankers.
The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have been targeting international shipping near Yemen since November, claiming the attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians amidst the conflict in Gaza. However, the Houthis have not officially claimed responsibility for the attack on the Sounion. This recent incident, along with other attacks in the region, has led many ship owners to avoid the Red Sea and opt for longer and more expensive routes around the southern tip of Africa to ensure the safety of their vessels and crews.
The vessel was en route to a port near Athens, which houses numerous refineries, at the time of the attack. It is suspected that the Sounion may have been hit by missiles or drones during the assault. The Greek port authority confirmed that the ship had sustained damage and was adrift following the attack. In a separate incident south of Aden, a merchant ship reported five explosions in the vicinity, but the crew remained unharmed and the vessel continued on its journey to the next port of call.
Overall, the attack on the Sounion has raised concerns about the safety and security of international shipping in the Red Sea region. The EU naval mission’s swift response in rescuing the crew members and neutralizing any potential threats highlights the importance of international cooperation in protecting vessels at sea. As tensions in the region continue to escalate, ship owners face the challenge of navigating increasingly dangerous waters while ensuring the security of their ships and crews.
