Risky Salvage of Sounion Tanker to Resume in Red Sea This Week, Sources Indicate

ATHENS (Reuters) – Experts are set to resume a hazardous operation this week to salvage the Sounion tanker, which was attacked multiple times by Yemen’s Houthi forces in the Red Sea last month. The vessel continues to carry approximately one million barrels of oil, according to maritime sources.

The Greek-registered ship, measuring 900 feet (274.2 meters), was struck by several projectiles, lost power, and caught fire on August 21. The towing operation had been temporarily halted after safety concerns were raised by the companies initially involved in the salvage effort.

Officials have emphasized the challenges of the salvage operation, given the tanker’s full load and various other risks. Any potential spill could become one of the largest in maritime history, posing a severe threat to the surrounding environment, particularly in an area deemed difficult to access.

The Houthis, who claim their actions are in support of Palestinians amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, detonated charges on the tanker following the initial strikes, leading to additional fires. It remains uncertain whether any explosives are still active on the vessel.

Two tugboats from a salvage company based in Greece are currently on-site and will be responsible for towing the Sounion. According to one source, "There is an action plan in place, and progress is being made." The towing operation is anticipated to commence within the next two days.

The crew members of the ship have already been evacuated, and Greece has reached out to Saudi Arabia for assistance in the operation. The Iran-aligned Houthi militants have stated they will permit salvage teams to tow the Sounion to safety, though they have also threatened the salvage crews, further complicating the already difficult operation and endangering the lives of additional maritime personnel, as highlighted by Robert Wood, deputy U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, during a U.N. Security Council briefing.

The European Union’s naval mission in the Red Sea, known as Aspides, will provide protection for the vessels involved in the tow and oversee the entire operation, as confirmed by a representative of Aspides.

In the region, a French frigate and a Greek frigate from the Aspides mission are already present. The Houthis have reportedly caused damage to over 80 ships through missile and drone attacks since November, resulting in the sinking of two vessels and the deaths of at least three crew members.