The towing of the Greek-owned oil tanker MV Sounion, which was attacked by the Houthis in the Red Sea in late August, begun on Saturday by the salvage vessel Aigaion Pelagos.
The tanker had been anchored in the Red Sea since August 27, with fire hotspots on board, 72 nautical miles west of Hodeidah, Yemen, raising fears of a significant ecological disaster in case its cargo leaked.
The Greek salvage vessel on Saturday arrived at the location of the MV Sounion accompanied by significant military forces, including three frigates, helicopters and a special forces unit, AMNA reports.
Despite challenging conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 400°C due to the fire, the specialized salvage team successfully secured the tanker to the Aigaion Pelagos.
The salvage vessel is towing the tanker north, escorted by military forces to exit the dangerous area where Houthi attacks have occurred, allowing the salvage operations to continue safely.
Greece Leads Red Sea Rescue of Oil Tanker Attacked by Houthis
MV Sounion was first attacked by the Houthis on Wednesday, August 21. Its 25-member crew -23 Filipinos and two Russians- was transferred the following day by a French destroyer to a safe location in Djibouti. Subsequent attacks included the placement of small explosives on the tanker’s deck.
The removal of the damaged tanker, which is carrying 150,000 tons of oil, is crucial for the prevention of a potential environmental disaster in the region.
Greece took up a leading role in the efforts to tow MV Sounion, the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis coordinating efforts involving European partners and key regional players, including Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Greece also used diplomatic channels with Iran, a key supporter of the Houthi fighters.
According to AMNA, the head of the Houthi Supreme Political Council has stated that the decision to permit MV Sounion‘s withdrawal is driven by concerns about environmental damage. However, the Red Sea remains hazardous, with several vessels continuing to be targeted.
Rescue of MV Sounion a complex operation
EU military operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES posted updates and photos from MV Sounion’s towing operation on X.
“EUNAVFOR ASPIDES assets have been actively involved in this complex endeavor, by creating a secure environment, which is necessary for the tugboats to conduct the towing operation. With its defensive mandate, ASPIDES serves to protect global common goods, including the environment and livelihoods of those living around the Red Sea,” the announcement read.
As of Friday, September 13, there were no signs of an oil spill from the main cargo hold.
