Greece notifies International Maritime Organization of “potential spill” from ship attacked in Red Sea

Aug. 30 (EUROPA PRESS) –

Greek authorities have confirmed the detection of “a potential oil spill” near the oil tanker ‘Sounion’ attacked last week in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, according to a note sent to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The Greek-flagged cargo ship was the target of a bombing on August 21 and, after the evacuation of its more than 20 crew members, remains anchored between Yemen and Eritrea. A second attack caused several fires on board and international concern continues to grow.

The Houthis themselves expressed their willingness on Wednesday to allow an international towing operation, given the widespread fear of a further disaster. The Sounion is carrying some 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, which represents “a serious environmental risk”, according to the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs in its letter to the IMO.

The Ministry, in a note signed by the Director General of Shipping, Lagadianos Nikolaos, points out that European satellites had already captured images on Thursday of “a potential spill” that matches the location of the ship and extends over “2.2 nautical miles.”

For this reason, he calls for the collaboration of all parties to “resolve the situation as soon as possible.”