The EU Red Sea naval mission Aspides reported on Monday that the Sounion oil tanker, which has been on fire since August 23, shows no signs of an oil spill.
Despite this, the ship remains ablaze, according to the mission.
“All vessels in the area must exercise extreme caution, as the MV Sounion presents both a navigational and imminent environmental hazard. This situation highlights how such attacks not only threaten freedom of navigation but also endanger the lives of seafarers, the environment, and the residents of the region,”
the mission stated in a post on X.
The Greek-flagged ship was attacked in the Red Sea by Houthis from Yemen, who confirmed the attack on Thursday. Aspides reported fires in at least five locations on the ship’s main deck and noted that part of the superstructure was also burning. Photos released on Sunday showed smoke rising from the ship’s main deck.
On Saturday, the U.S. warned of a potential environmental disaster, noting that the tanker could release up to “one million barrels” of oil into the sea. The crew, consisting of 23 Filipinos and two Russians, has been rescued by Aspides. The Iran-backed Houthis have been targeting ships in the region for several months, claiming their actions are in response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
