The Sounion has been successfully towed to a safe haven. The news was announced on Platform X in a press release from Eunavfor Aspides.
Rescuers involved in salvaging the burning tanker reported that they were able to transport the vessel without causing any oil spills.
“While private stakeholders complete the salvage operation, Aspides will continue to monitor the situation. The completion of this phase of the salvage operation is the result of a comprehensive approach and close co-operation between all stakeholders committed to prevent an environmental disaster affecting the whole region,”
The next challenge ahead will be to put out the fires still raging aboard the ship. Only once the flames have been extinguished will it be possible to consider transferring the 150,000 tons of crude oil from the Sounion to another vessel.
The Greek-flagged tanker, owned by Delta Tankers, was attacked by the Houthis on August 21st. Explosive drones damaged the ship to such an extent that the crew was forced to abandon it. Two days later, Yemeni rebels boarded the Sounion, setting fire to it. Since then, the risks of spilling the oil carried by the ship into the sea have greatly increased.
Translation by Giles Foster