Red Sea

The EU naval mission in the Red Sea reports that the attempt to tow the burning oil tanker “Sounion” that had been targeted by the Houthis is being abandoned.

According to the relevant announcement:

Since 1 September 2024, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES assets have taken over the protection of the tugs involved in the MV SOUNION rescue operation, with the aim of facilitating the prevention of an unprecedented environmental disaster in the region.

The private companies responsible for the salvage operation concluded that the conditions for conducting the towing operation were not met and that it was not safe to proceed. Private companies are now exploring alternatives.

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES remains focused on its original mandate, acting as a trusted EU maritime security provider, aiming to contribute to the free navigation of merchant ships in its area of ​​operation.

Since September 1st, 2024, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES assets have been engaged in protecting the tugs involved in the MV SOUNION salvage operation, aiming to facilitate the prevention of an unprecedented environmental disaster in the region.

The private companies responsible for the… pic.twitter.com/WB9srXYJA8

— EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (@EUNAVFORASPIDES) September 3, 2024

The Greek-flagged tanker Sounion, which was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels last week in the Red Sea, is still burning and now appears to be leaking oil, a US Pentagon spokesman said today.

US Air Force Lt. Gen. Patrick Ryder also said two tugboats attempted to approach the tanker, which was carrying about one million barrels of crude oil, but the Houthis threatened to attack them.

“Reckless acts of terrorism”

“These are reckless acts of terrorism that continue to destabilize global and regional trade, endanger the lives of innocent seafarers and threaten the rich marine ecosystem in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,” Ryder said.

The Sounion was the third Athens-based Delta Tankers vessel to come under attack this month in the Red Sea. The 25-member crew left the tanker Sounion with the assistance of the EU maritime mission “Shields”.

Source: RES-MPE

The ship Chios Lion, operated by a Greek delivery firm, was “broken” by a remote-controlled unmanned floor vessel (USV) launched by the Houthis into the Pink Sea, with out its crew calling for assist.

In line with the Houthi spokesman, the ships have been chosen as a result of the ship-owning firms use “Israeli ports”.

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Particularly, the Bentley I, which CENTCOM says is Israeli-owned, has come below “a number of” assaults towards the US navy and UK maritime safety physique UKMTO. The primary assault used three floor ships, two of which have been manned by three folks and the third was remotely piloted.

An anti-ship ballistic missile was then fired, in response to the US navy.

💥 Yemeni Houthis attacked CHIOS LION oil tanker within the Pink Sea. pic.twitter.com/OYCLxHXuRI

— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) July 16, 2024

Regardless of the assaults, the crew is secure, the vessel is undamaged and continues to its subsequent station.

UKMTO reported that the crew reported three rockets exploding a brief distance from the ship, which nevertheless didn’t hit it. British maritime safety firm Ambrey additionally reported on the Bentley I assault, with out naming it. He famous {that a} group of armed personal guards is on board the ship.