Barran Press
Experts are set to resume a "high-risk" operation this week to salvage the "Sounion," a tanker attacked by the Houthi group in the Red Sea last month, according to maritime sources.
The tanker, which still carries approximately one million barrels of crude oil, was initially deemed too dangerous to tow by the companies involved.
Reuters reported that the towing operation will be "very sensitive" due to the tanker's full load and other factors. Any potential spill, according to the news agency, could be the largest from a ship in recorded history and potentially cause an environmental disaster in a highly sensitive area.
Sources told Reuters that at least two tugboats owned by a Greek salvage company are already in the area and will be involved in the towing operation. One source stated, "There is a plan of action and there is progress... The towing operation is expected to begin within the next two days."
The ship's crew has been evacuated, and Greece is seeking assistance from Saudi Arabia. The Iran-backed Houthi group has stated that they will allow rescue teams to tow the ship to safety.
A European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) official confirmed on Thursday that the mission will protect the ships involved in the towing operation and monitor the entire process. Two frigates, one French and one Greek, are already in the area as part of EUNAVFOR.
On August 21st, the Houthi group attacked the Greek-flagged tanker, setting it ablaze. The Houthis subsequently detonated explosives on the tanker, leading to further fires. It remains unclear if any additional explosives are present.
Since last November, the Houthi group, designated as a terrorist organization by the international community, has launched missile and drone attacks against commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.