Barran Press
A third vessel owned by the Greek company Delta Tankers has been attacked in the Red Sea, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the region. The attack, confirmed by the maritime news website Splash 247, monitored by "Barran Press", marks the fourth incident involving Delta Tankers' ships in a week.
The latest attack targeted the tanker "Sounion" approximately 77 nautical miles west of the Yemeni city of Hodeidah. The attack occurred early Wednesday morning, according to the security firm Vanguard, which reported that two small vessels carrying three to five and ten individuals respectively approached the Sounion.
Vanguard stated that a brief exchange of small arms fire took place before the small vessels retreated to a distance of two nautical miles. The Sounion's captain reported that two unidentified projectiles struck the vessel, followed by a third projectile, causing damage and smoke in the engine room.
The incident comes just eight days after a series of attacks on the Delta Tankers-owned "Delta Blue," which was targeted four times in a 24-hour period with rocket-propelled grenades. While those attacks did not result in casualties or significant damage, the latest incident has raised concerns about the Houthis' escalating tactics.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTU) has also confirmed receiving a report about the incident, advising vessels to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity.
The Houthis, designated as a terrorist group by the international community, have been targeting commercial ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden since November 2023. These attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to opt for the longer route around the southern tip of Africa.
In response to the Houthi attacks, the US-led "Guardians of Prosperity" coalition, which includes the UK as a key participant, began airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The Houthis have expanded their operations to include vessels linked to Washington and London.
The latest attack on the Sounion highlights the growing threat posed by the Houthis in the Red Sea and underscores the need for international cooperation to address the escalating maritime security concerns in the region.