The European Union Operation ASPIDES is closely supporting the challenging salvage of the oil Tanker MV Sounion, which is still burning weeks after being attacked by the Houthis.
The MV Sounion, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, was first struck by the Houthis on the 21st of August.
The Sounion had been anchored in the Red Sea since the 27th of August, about 72 nautical miles west of Hodeidah, Yemen. Although the cargo is unlikely to explode, the fires are fed by the crude oil evaporating and could burn for months if not dealt with quickly.
With temperatures over 400ºC recorded onboard, the heat could weaken the steel structure of the ship and make it vulnerable to breaking up and releasing large amounts of oil into the sea.
The Greek Prime Minister has spearheaded the diplomatic effort behind the salvage operation with European nations, coordinating with Saudi Arabia and Iranian back-channels that provide most of the backing to the Houthis.
The ‘Houthi Supreme Political Council’ says it will not interfere with the salvage operation.
The tanker is being towed slowly north, most likely to a Saudi Arabian port.
Photo by: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES