Greek Oil Tanker Attacked by Houthis in Red Sea
Last week, the Sounion, a Greek-flagged crude oil tanker, came under heavy fire. The Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeted the vessel in a continued assault on ships in the maritime route. The ship now leaks oil, raising fears of an environmental disaster, according to a Pentagon spokesperson. The Red Sea, one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, faces severe risks due to this incident. Houthi rebels attacked on Greek-flagged vessel.
Potential Environmental Catastrophe
The Sounion carried one million barrels of crude oil when it was hit. Bright orange flames engulfed the vessel, as seen in recent images. Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder warned of a possible environmental catastrophe. He stated that the ship is now immobilized and appears to be leaking oil, endangering both navigation and the surrounding environment. The Red Sea, along with the Gulf of Aden, is a critical area for global maritime traffic, and the oil spill threatens its ecosystem. Houthi rebels attacked on Greek-flagged vessel.
Houthi Justification for Attack
The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility, saying the attack was in response to the Israeli offensive in Gaza. The Houthis’ military spokesperson, Yahya Saree, stated that the vessel breached the group’s ban on entering ports in “occupied Palestine.” This incident is part of their broader effort to disrupt shipping routes in the region. Houthi rebels attacked on Greek-flagged vessel.
Response and Consequences
The crew, consisting of 23 Filipino and two Russian sailors, safely evacuated. However, the situation remains dire. The U.S. State Department called on the Houthis to stop their attacks and urged international cooperation to prevent an environmental crisis. Houthi rebels attacked on Greek-flagged vessel.
Global Impact of Houthi Attacks
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea have already sunk two ships and killed three crew members. The Red Sea connects to the Suez Canal, a vital trade route that accounts for 10-15% of global commerce. The attacks have caused shipping companies to reroute vessels, increasing costs and travel times. Earlier this year, major shipping groups urged governments to take action against these assaults to protect global trade.
Historical Context: Oil Spills
The current spill may not reach the scale of the largest in history, but it remains a significant threat. In 1979, the worst oil spill occurred when the Atlantic Empress spilled 287,000 metric tons of oil after colliding with another vessel in the Caribbean Sea. While the scale of the Sounion’s spill is yet unknown, the potential for severe environmental damage is undeniable. Houthi rebels attacked on Greek-flagged vessel.
Conclusion
The attack on the Sounion raises alarms about both environmental and geopolitical risks. The combination of oil leakage and ongoing conflicts in the region demands urgent international attention to avoid further disasters.