Fires have engulfed the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion, which had been abandoned by its crew earlier this week, according to authorities. The vessel, anchored in the Red Sea, appears to be adrift after the blaze broke out, with concerns growing about the safety of international shipping in the region. The Sounion, staffed by a team of international seafarers, including 25 Filipinos and Russians, as well as four private security personnel, was evacuated by a French destroyer, leaving behind a cargo of 150,000 tons of crude oil.
The tanker’s abandonment and subsequent fires have sparked fears about the navigational and environmental hazards posed by the vessel’s cargo. The European Union’s Aspides naval mission has warned that the situation is “serious and unpredictable” and urged all vessels and personnel in the area to exercise extreme caution to avoid any deterioration of the situation. The US has deployed additional naval assets to the region, including aircraft carriers, guided missile submarines, and fighter jets, to monitor the situation and prevent any further escalation.
Searing Flames Batter Abandoned Greek Oil Tanker. (Image via Getty)
The fire on the Sounion is the latest in a series of incidents in the Red Sea, where the Houthi rebels have been targeting international shipping in an effort to pressure Israel to end its campaign against Hamas in Gaza. Over 80 vessels have been targeted by the Houthis since the war in Gaza started in October, with two ships sinking and one being seized. The US and other international powers have been monitoring the situation closely, with the US deploying naval assets to the region to deter further attacks.
The threat to international shipping in the Red Sea has been heightened by the Houthi attack on the Sounion, which has also exacerbated tensions in the region. Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel over the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, further escalating the situation. The incident highlights the risk of maritime attacks in the region, where the Houthis have been targeting international shipping to pressure Israel to end its campaign against Hamas in Gaza.
The abandonment of the Sounion and the subsequent fires have raised concerns about the safety of international shipping in the Red Sea. The EU’s Aspides naval mission has warned that the situation is “serious and unpredictable” and urged all vessels and personnel in the area to exercise extreme caution to avoid any deterioration of the situation. The incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and a sustained diplomatic effort to address the underlying tensions in the region and protect international shipping.
