Salvaging the Sounion Tanker

LONDON/ATHENS (Reuters) – Private companies involved in salvaging the Sounion tanker, attacked by Yemen’s Houthis in the Red Sea, are exploring options after the towing operation was deemed unsafe, the EU’s naval mission said on Tuesday.

The Sounion, struck on Aug. 21, is laden with about one million barrels of crude oil and remains on fire. Houthis and maritime sources claim it has been rigged with explosives.

The EU’s naval force Aspides will provide protection to the tugboats involved in the salvage operation. “The private companies responsible for the salvage operation have concluded that the conditions were not met to conduct the towing operation and that it was not safe to proceed,” Aspides stated on X on Tuesday. “Alternative solutions are now being explored by the private companies.”

If a spill occurs, it could become one of the largest in recorded history, leading to an environmental catastrophe in a particularly dangerous area.

“The operation is continuing and further assessments are required. This will take time,” a source told Reuters, noting that conditions are complex.

The Iran-aligned Houthi militants have stated they would allow salvage teams to tow the ship to safety, and the vessel’s crew has been evacuated. The Greece-based operator, Delta Tankers, declined to comment further, referencing Aspides’ statement.

Three additional sources indicated that a reassessment of the plan is necessary due to high risks associated with the salvage, described by one as a “surgical operation.” Another source mentioned that initial risks were underestimated and that more technical resources and personnel are needed.

The Houthis began launching drone and missile strikes in the waterway in November, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in the conflict in Gaza. They have conducted over 70 attacks, sinking two vessels, seizing another, and resulting in at least three fatalities among seafarers.