As we reported last week, the Houthi militia has added another attack to its ongoing assaults in the Red Sea, targeting the Greek-flagged Sounion vessel on August 21st. With the crew’s rescue still pending, the 164,000 dwt tanker was carrying a cargo of one million barrels of crude oil. If the ship is destroyed, it could result in one of history’s largest oil spills from a tanker.
What’s the latest update on the attack on the vessel Sounion?
U.S. Central Command continues to “actively monitor the situation and coordinate with other maritime partners in the region to determine how best to assist the vessel and mitigate potential environmental impact,” per Major General Ryder.
Furthermore, attacks by Houthis on tugs sent to aid the tanker have continued, significantly complicating efforts to assist it.
“We are aware of a third party attempting to send two tugs for assistance but they were repelled by Houthis and threatened with attack, once again demonstrating their blatant disregard not only for human life but also for the potential environmental catastrophe,” stated Major General Ryder.
Operated by Athens-based Delta Tankers, Sounion was en route from Iraq to Greece when targeted. The Houthis have persisted in their attacks in the Red Sea since November 2023, disrupting global maritime trade routes and causing increased transit times, expenses, and congestion worldwide.
What does the recent attack and other attacks mean for ships in the Red Sea?
Despite claiming that these attacks are meant to support Palestinians in Gaza amid conflicts with Israel and targeting vessels bound for Israel, due to regional tensions, safe passage cannot be guaranteed for any ships.
While many ships have chosen alternative routes away from this troubled area — including those connecting through Egypt’s Suez Canal — commercial vessels continue navigating through these volatile waters despite numerous challenges. The main reason is the historically short voyage and clearer route.
“Though Houthis claim these attacks support Palestinians’ cause; their actions prove otherwise. In fact they perpetrate reckless terror acts that destabilize global and regional trade while endangering innocent civilian mariners’ lives as well as marine ecosystems within their own backyard: namely Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,” explained Major General Ryder.
