The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) mission, known as "Aspides," has issued a warning on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, that the recently attacked oil tanker "S.S. Sunion" poses a "serious and imminent threat" to regional pollution. The tanker, which was attacked off the coast of Yemen, presents a significant maritime hazard.

In a statement posted on X (monitored by "Barran Press), Aspides confirmed the discovery of fires in multiple locations on the tanker's main deck. While there has been no reported oil spill yet, the vessel remains stationary and adrift.

The mission has advised all vessels in the area to exercise extreme caution. To prevent an environmental catastrophe, EU naval forces, in coordination with European authorities, are assessing the situation and considering preventative measures, including towing the tanker.

On Tuesday evening, a Pentagon spokesperson reported that a third party attempted to send two tugboats to assist in rescuing the "Sonion," but the Houthis threatened to attack them. The tanker is reportedly carrying approximately one million barrels of crude oil.

Earlier this week, Aspides had already warned of a potential environmental disaster in the Red Sea after successfully evacuating the crew of a Greek oil tanker that had been subjected to a series of Houthi attacks. The vessel, located approximately 77 nautical miles west of Hodeidah, ran aground and suffered engine failure, though the crew escaped unharmed.

The Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by the international community and controlling the most densely populated areas of Yemen, claimed responsibility for the attack on the "Sunion" on Thursday.

Aspides confirmed that fires were observed in at least five locations on the tanker's deck, with a section of the upper structure also ablaze. The mission successfully rescued the crew of the Greek vessel "Sunion" last Thursday after receiving a distress call from the captain.

Since last November, the Houthis have launched a series of missile and drone attacks against commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden.