The tanker Sounion, owned by Greece's Delta Tankers, was transporting 150,000 tons of crude oil from Iraq when it was hit by either drones or missiles in the Red Sea on August 21, 2024. The crew abandoned ship, that now is at risk of sinking. The Houthi rebels claimed responsibility in a statement released the following day. If the tanker sinks and spills its cargo, it could lead to a significant ecological disaster, potentially becoming the fifth-worst oil spill in recorded history. Moreover, the wreck would pose a serious threat to navigation in the area.
Delta Tankers has announced that they are currently exploring options to move the damaged vessel to a safer location with the intent of carrying out necessary repairs. However, this operation is expected to be extremely challenging given the critical condition of the ship and the ongoing instability in the region.
The Sounion is the third vessel in Delta Tankers' fleet to be attacked by the Houthis in the Red Sea. Despite the increasing threats, the Greek owner opted not to escort the tanker with available European naval units during its passage. This decision has drawn widespread criticism, particularly for the risks posed to the crew and the marine environment.
In their August 22 statement, the Houthis also claimed responsibility for an attack on the bulk carrier SW North Wind I, though this has not been independently confirmed. The SW North Wind I, built in 2009 and flying the Panamanian flag, is the only vessel owned by Germany’s SW North Wind Shipping, which manages 17 other cargo ships not under its ownership. According to VesselFinder, the bulk carrier is currently sailing through the Red Sea en route to the Egyptian port of Suez, where it is expected to arrive on August 26.
The Yemeni rebels stated that "the two military operations were carried out by naval forces, UAVs, and missile systems, using a number of unmanned boats, ballistic missiles, guided missiles, and drones." They also confirmed their ongoing efforts to impose a naval blockade on the Israeli enemy and target all ships associated with or belonging to companies dealing with the Israeli enemy in the area of military operations.
