The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) operation "ASPIDIS " has warned of a potential environmental catastrophe in the Red Sea following a Houthi attack on a Greek oil tanker.

The European mission, in a statement on X (monitored by Barran Press), reported that it successfully evacuated the crew of the Greek oil tanker "Sounion" after it was attacked by the Houthis on Wednesday, approximately 77 nautical miles west of Hodeidah.

The attack caused the tanker to run aground and its engines to malfunction, though no crew members were injured. "ASPIDIS " stated that it received a distress call from the captain and was able to rescue the crew, destroying a drone that posed an imminent threat to the rescue operation. The crew was subsequently transported to Djibouti.

The mission emphasized that the lives of sailors and freedom on the high seas are non-negotiable values, and their protection is a primary objective of the operation.

The "Sounion" is carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, currently posing a maritime and environmental hazard. "ASPIDIS " urged all parties in the region to exercise caution and refrain from any actions that could worsen the current situation.

Reuters reported that the crew of the "Sounion," which flies the Greek flag, had left the tanker and were taken to Djibouti. The tanker is currently anchored between Yemen and Eritrea in the southern Red Sea.

A European official stated that the naval mission responded to a request from the shipping company and the ship's captain, deploying a unit to provide protection and rescue the crew, consisting of two Russians and 23 Filipinos.

Earlier on Thursday, the Associated Press reported the rescue of 29 sailors from the "Sounion" after a major attack in the Red Sea. The agency reported that a French destroyer rescued the crew and destroyed a drone carrying explosives in the area.

The attack on the "Sounion" is the most serious in the Red Sea in weeks, part of a months-long campaign by the Houthis targeting ships that have disrupted a trade route typically carrying trillions of dollars in goods annually.

According to "ASPIDIS ," the "Sounion" is currently anchored in the Red Sea and is no longer drifting. It remains unclear if the ship is still burning. The ship was operating with a crew of Filipinos and Russians.

"ASPIDIS " stated that four projectiles hit the ship, but it was not immediately clear whether they were drones or missiles.

The Houthis, designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, have not claimed responsibility for the attacks, though they may take hours or even days to acknowledge their actions.

To date, the Houthis have targeted over 80 ships with missiles and drones since the start of the Israeli-Gaza war in October 2023. They have also seized one ship and sunk two in their campaign, which has resulted in the deaths of four sailors.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched missile and drone attacks against commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.

The group's attacks have led to increased maritime insurance costs and prompted many international shipping companies to favor the much longer route around the southern tip of the African continent.

To deter the Houthis, the "Guardian of Prosperity" coalition, led by the United States and with key participation from the United Kingdom, began airstrikes on Houthi positions in Yemen in January 2024. The Houthis have subsequently expanded their operations to include ships linked to Washington and London, as they have announced.