Greek Oil Tanker Ablaze After Multiple Attacks in Red Sea

On Thursday, August 22nd, a Greek-flagged oil tanker, the Sounion, was left adrift and on fire in the Red Sea following multiple attacks by armed assailants. The vessel, which was en route from Iraq to Athens, came under fire approximately 77 nautical miles west of Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah. The attacks, carried out by more than a dozen individuals in two small boats, caused significant damage, leading to the ship losing engine power and its ability to maneuver.

The Greek shipping ministry and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed that the initial attack on Wednesday morning was followed by a second assault that ignited a fire onboard. The 25-member crew, composed of 23 Filipinos and two Russians, was rescued by a European Union naval mission, which had been dispatched to provide protection. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the crew.

In response to the escalating situation, the EU naval mission neutralized an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) that posed a further threat to the Sounion and its crew. The Greek government condemned the attacks, with Maritime Affairs Minister Christos Stylianides labeling them a “flagrant violation of international law and a serious threat to the security of international shipping.”

The Sounion’s operator, Delta Tankers, confirmed that the ship sustained minor damage and remained adrift. This incident marks the third time this month that a Delta Tankers-operated vessel has been targeted. Earlier in August, the Liberia-flagged Delta Atlantica and Delta Blue tankers were also attacked in separate incidents.

The Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, who began targeting international shipping near Yemen last November, have not claimed responsibility for the attack on the Sounion. However, their recent activities have led to increased concerns about maritime security in the region. As a result, many ship owners have begun rerouting their vessels to avoid the Red Sea, opting for longer and more expensive routes around the southern tip of Africa.

The ongoing conflict in Yemen, coupled with the Houthis’ declared solidarity with Palestinians over the war in Gaza, continues to destabilize the region and endanger international shipping routes.