The Houthi group, aligned with Iran and controlling large regions of Yemen, claimed responsibility for the attack on Thursday. They stated that the assault on the Sounion was part of their broader campaign against commercial shipping, which they have been conducting for ten months in support of Palestinians in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The initial attack occurred on Wednesday, when the Houthis struck the tanker multiple times, resulting in a fire and a loss of engine power. A European warship later rescued the crew of 25, leaving the uncrewed vessel anchored between Yemen and Eritrea, according to a maritime security source.
UKMTO reported on Friday that the vessel, carrying 150,000 metric tons of crude oil, appears to be drifting after three fires broke out. Later in the day, the Houthis released a video on social media, claiming responsibility for setting the tanker on fire.
The tanker poses a significant environmental risk, with the EU’s Red Sea naval mission Aspides warning of potential disastrous consequences for the marine environment in the region if a spill were to occur. The Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority also highlighted this risk in a social media post.
This incident marks the third time this month that a vessel operated by Athens-based Delta Tankers has been targeted by the Houthis. The group cited Delta Tankers’ alleged violation of a ban on entry to "the ports of occupied Palestine" as a reason for the attack, according to Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree.
Delta Tankers stated that they are doing everything possible to secure the vessel and its cargo but declined to provide further details for security reasons.
