Salvagers have successfully towed a Greek-flagged oil tanker, which had been burning for weeks after attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, to a secure location, avoiding an oil spill, the European Union naval mission reported yesterday.
The tanker, attacked on August 21 by the Houthis, was hit by multiple projectiles, leading to an evacuation of the crew and subsequent boarding and explosion of the Sounion.
Carrying 1.1 million barrels of crude oil, the Delta Tankers vessel was at risk of becoming one of the worst oil spills ever. Fires were still visible as the delicate towing operation began over the weekend.
Three frigates, helicopters, and three tugboats were involved in the operation. The ship’s destination remains undisclosed, with European naval forces only stating it is a “safe location.”
Salvors will now consider how to conduct a ship-to-ship transfer to offload the Sounion’s cargo of Iraqi heavy crude.