Damaged Tanker Poses Environmental Threat After Houthi Attack

The Sounion suezmax, severely damaged and abandoned after multiple Houthi attacks on Wednesday, is carrying a cargo of oil four times larger than that of the Exxon Valdez, one of the most infamous tanker disasters in history.

According to the European Union’s naval taskforce in the Middle East, the Delta Tankers vessel is transporting 150,000 tons of crude oil. The taskforce has warned that the ship now poses a "navigational and environmental hazard" and has called for an end to any further attacks on the stricken tanker. 

The Sounion was transporting Basrah heavy crude from Iraq when it was attacked, leading to a fire and a complete loss of power. If the vessel were to sink in the Red Sea, it could result in one of the five worst oil spills ever recorded, according to data from the International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation (ITOPF).

The Sounion, which is 18 years old, is the third vessel in Delta Tankers’ fleet to be attacked in the Red Sea. The Greek company had opted not to travel in convoy with European naval escorts for the journey. Delta Tankers is currently exploring options to move the damaged ship to a safer location and eventually conduct repairs.

Delta Tankers’ decision to continue transiting the Red Sea, despite the clear targeting by the Houthis, has faced criticism. Thai shipowner Precious Shipping commented on social media, stating: “[S]ome owners are choosing economics over safety by sending their crew into the Red Sea firing zone.”

The ongoing 10-month campaign by the Houthis from Yemen, in solidarity with the Palestinian conflict against Israel, has resulted in more than 100 merchant ships being targeted. This has led to several environmental disasters, including the sinking of the Rubymar general cargo vessel and the Tutor kamsarmax.