US Pentagon Concerned About Potential for Massive Oil Spill from Houthi-Attacked Tanker
The US Pentagon has expressed concern about a potential ecological disaster in the Red Sea. This follows an attack by Yemen's Houthi group on an oil tanker last week. The tanker, still ablaze, could be leaking oil into the sea.
Houthi Attack on Greek-Flagged Oil Tanker
The group targeted the Greek-flagged crude oil tanker, Sounion, with three projectiles last week. This sparked a fire and disabled the engine. The crew of the Sounion were rescued by a French naval vessel after drifting for a day 77 nautical miles west of the port of Hodeidah.
The group, which controls most of Yemen and claims its attacks are in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, released a video purporting to show them setting the ship alight. However, the EU's Aspides task force, an international naval force, stated that there was no sign of fire on board the ship when the crew were rescued.
Potential for Massive Oil Spill
The Sounion is carrying more than 150,000 tonnes of crude oil. If a spill were to occur, it could be one of the largest from a ship in recorded history. The US State Department warned that the potential spill could be four times the size of the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, which saw 257,000 barrels of oil leak off the coast of Alaska.
The EU military task force against the Houthis, Aspides, has said that the wreckage poses a risk of a "severe ecological disaster."
Houthis Threaten Salvage Efforts
Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Maj Gen Patrick Ryder revealed on Tuesday that a third party had sent two tugboats to salvage the wreck. However, they were deterred by Houthi threats to attack them. Ryder condemned the attacks as "reckless acts of terrorism" which "imperil the vibrant maritime ecosystem in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the Houthis' own back yard." He added that the US military was working with partners in the region to mitigate any environmental impact.
Houthis Target Ships in the Red Sea
Yemen's Ansar Allah group, known as the Houthis, began targeting any ship they deemed Israel-linked traversing the Red Sea in October 2023. They vowed not to stop until Israel ends its war on Gaza. Some ships with no relation to Israel have also been targeted in recent months.
While the group has so far sunk two ships - the Rubymar attacked in February and the Greek-flagged Tutor, which was targeted in June - the Sounion attack marks the first time the fighters have intentionally blown up an abandoned ship.
Challenges in Salvage Operations
Maritime expert Noam Raydan, author of The Chokepoint, highlighted the challenges that will complicate salvage operations. He pointed out that the Houthis have shown they can return to the scene of a stricken commercial vessel to prevent or obstruct salvage operations. In the case of the Sounion, navy forces in the region may need to assist in preventing the Houthis from returning back to further damage the tanker.
US Military Maritime Assets in the Middle East
The latest positioning of US military maritime assets in the Middle East has been updated.
Bottom Line
The potential for a massive oil spill in the Red Sea following the Houthi attack on the Sounion tanker is a cause for concern. The situation not only threatens a severe ecological disaster but also highlights the complexities of salvage operations in such circumstances. What are your thoughts on this situation? Share this article with friends and discuss the implications. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.
