Salvagers have successfully towed the Sounion, a Greek-flagged oil tanker that had been burning in the Red Sea since being hit on August 21 by projectiles from Yemen’s Houthi rebels, thereby preventing any disastrous oil spill. The European Union naval mission did not specify the final destination, merely referring to a “safe location.”
The Houthi military authorities have pledged not to attack the Western salvors.
“The completion of this phase of the salvage operation is the result of a comprehensive approach and close cooperation between all stakeholders committed to prevent an environmental disaster affecting the whole region,” stated EUNAVFOR Aspides, the EU naval partnership for Red Sea security.
With fires still visible from its deck, the vessel, laden with 1.1 million barrels of crude oil, was escorted by three frigates, with helicopters hovering overhead.
After the tanker was hit by projectiles, crew evacuated and Houthis boarding the Sounion detonated a series of explosives.
(Photo from EUNAVFOR Aspides)
