News

Sounion, Houthis grant ceasefire

by Port News Editorial Staff

The Houthis are allowing rescue teams to tow away the Sounion, an oil tanker, which, on Aug.21st, was approached by three small boats with 15 people on board and hit by three shells. Seriously damaged by the attack, the ship subsequently caught fire as it drifted into the Red Sea.

The tanker, whose 25 crew members were unharmed and rescued and taken to Djibouti, is now an environmental hazard because of the 150,000 tonnes of crude oil it was carrying at the time.

The risk of an oil spill remains high. There is widespread concern about the damage the spill could cause in the region.

The ceasefire is only temporary and should allow UN-led forces to salvage the ship

Translation by Giles Foster