The United States has issued a warning about a potential environmental disaster following an attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on a Greek-owned oil tanker in the Red Sea. The tanker, MV Sounion, remains on fire and may be leaking oil, raising fears of a major spill. The US Pentagon has expressed grave concerns over the situation, noting that attempts to salvage the vessel have been thwarted by the Houthis, who have also issued threats of further attacks.
The MV Sounion, which is flagged to Greece, is carrying over 150,000 tonnes, or approximately one million barrels, of crude oil. A spill of this magnitude could become one of the largest from a ship in recorded history, with significant environmental consequences. The situation is particularly alarming given the tanker’s proximity to ecologically sensitive areas in the Red Sea.
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who control large swathes of Yemen, have claimed responsibility for the attack. They have stated that their actions in the Red Sea over the past ten months are in support of the Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The Houthis claim to have sunk two ships and killed at least two crew members during this period. While the group often asserts it targets vessels linked to Israel, the US, or the UK, these claims have frequently been proven false.
The MV Sounion was initially attacked last Wednesday when it was fired upon by two small boats. The attack was followed by three unidentified projectiles hitting the vessel, sparking a fire and disabling its engine power, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The ship’s 25 crew members were rescued by a European warship the following day and transported to safety in Djibouti. However, the tanker was attacked again, with the Houthis releasing a video purportedly showing them setting the vessel ablaze.
The potential for an oil spill of catastrophic proportions has heightened international concern. The US State Department, in a statement on Saturday, highlighted the risk of a spill that could be four times larger than the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, which released 257,000 barrels of oil off the coast of Alaska. A spill of this scale could have devastating effects on the marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of those dependent on the Red Sea’s resources.
In response to the escalating crisis, Pentagon spokesman Major General Patrick Ryder confirmed that two tugboats had been dispatched to salvage the stricken tanker. However, these efforts have been hampered by threats from the Houthis, who have warned they will target any salvage operations. The Pentagon has indicated that the US is coordinating with regional partners to address the potential environmental impact and to find a resolution to the ongoing threats posed by the Houthis.
The situation underscores the broader security and environmental risks in the region, where maritime routes are crucial for global oil supplies. The attacks by the Houthis add to the ongoing instability in Yemen and raise significant concerns about the safety of international shipping lanes in the Red Sea. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with hopes that diplomatic or military measures will prevent further escalation and avert an environmental disaster.
