Barran Press
Greece has informed the United Nations of a potential 2.2-mile-long oil spill in the Red Sea, coinciding with the location of the tanker "Sounion," according to the European Maritime Safety Agency on Friday, August 30, 2024.
Greece, in a message distributed by the UN's maritime safety agency, stated that the information is based on a satellite image captured on Thursday evening. The image confirms that "the location of the oil spill coincides with the location of the ship."
Greece added, "In light of the aforementioned circumstances, the condition of the tanker... poses a serious environmental threat to the marine environment in the Red Sea."
Earlier on Friday, informed sources indicated that the rescue operation for the Greek tanker "Sounion," stranded in the Red Sea after being targeted by the internationally designated terrorist group, the Houthis, is expected to begin in the coming days.
Reuters, quoting the sources, reported that "a preliminary plan for the operation, expected to be launched within 48 hours, was decided yesterday." The operation is anticipated to be complex as the Houthis have reportedly planted explosives aboard the tanker.
Previously, the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) mission "Aspides" stated that to avert a catastrophic environmental crisis, EU naval forces, in coordination with European authorities, are assessing the situation to implement preventative measures, including the towing of the tanker.
Days ago, the EU mission "Aspides" warned of an environmental disaster in the Red Sea after successfully evacuating the crew of a Greek tanker that had been subjected to a series of Houthi attacks approximately 77 nautical miles west of Hudaydah. The attacks led to the tanker running aground and its engines failing, although no crew members were injured.
The internationally designated terrorist group, the Houthis, who control the most densely populated areas of Yemen, claimed responsibility for attacking the tanker "Sounion" in the Red Sea last Thursday.
"Aspides" reported that fires were observed in at least five locations on the ship's deck, along with a portion of the superstructure ablaze. They confirmed that they successfully rescued the crew of the Greek tanker "Sounion" last Thursday after receiving a distress call from the captain.
Since last November, the internationally designated terrorist group, the Houthis, have initiated attacks using missiles and drones against commercial cargo ships in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Gulf of Aden.