World
Fire Breaks Out on Abandoned Greek Oil Tanker in the Red Sea
A Greek-flagged oil tanker named Sounion is currently adrift in the Red Sea, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil. The vessel has been deemed a “navigational and environmental hazard,” according to the European Union’s Aspides naval mission.
On Friday, it was reported that fires erupted on the Sounion after its crew abandoned the ship on Thursday. Authorities are still working to understand the circumstances surrounding the incidents. The tanker was reportedly left at anchor after the crew fled.
The Houthis, a group engaged in a campaign against shipping in the Red Sea amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, have not yet taken responsibility for the fire. However, earlier attacks in the area have disrupted a significant trade route, which annually sees goods worth one trillion euros.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center has confirmed that three fires have been observed on the Sounion, which continues to drift in the sea. A United States defense official has stated that American authorities are aware of the situation and are monitoring developments closely.
The Sounion had a crew of 25 individuals, consisting of Filipinos and Russians, along with four private security personnel. They were evacuated to nearby Djibouti by a French warship.
Late on Friday night, the Houthis released footage showing an explosion hitting the vessel, with their fighters chanting slogans in the distance. An analysis suggested that these explosions likely resulted from planted explosives rather than a missile strike, indicative of an attack coordinated by the rebels.
The Houthis claim to target vessels associated with Israel, the U.S., or the U.K. in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, many of these targeted ships have no significant ties to the conflict, including those heading to Iran.
In light of increasing tensions in the region, the U.S. military has deployed additional vessels, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, to monitor the situation.
