Tanker Hit by Houthis Salvaged: Red Sea Disaster Averted
A significant environmental disaster in the Red Sea has been narrowly averted following the successful salvage of the Greek-registered oil tanker, MT Sounion. The tanker, carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, was attacked by Houthi militants on August 21, 2024. Missiles and drones severely damaged the 900-foot vessel, triggering a fire and raising fears of one of the largest oil spills in history. Months of coordinated efforts led to the successful resolution of the crisis, ensuring the safety of the tanker and the removal of its cargo.
The complex salvage operation, led by the British maritime security company Ambrey, involved the collaboration of more than 200 people and six specialized companies, including Megatugs Salvage & Towage, Diaplous, Offmain, Fire Aid, Pro Liquid, and Ambipar Response. The vessel, struck 58 miles off the Yemeni coast, posed an immense risk of environmental devastation in the ecologically sensitive Red Sea region. Extinguishing the fire took three weeks, with salvage crews working under challenging climatic conditions to bring the situation under control.
In mid-September, the tanker was towed to a safe location 150 miles north by a flotilla of seven salvage vessels, escorted by the European Union’s naval force Aspides. The vessel was later moved to Suez, where its crude oil cargo was safely offloaded. The successful completion of this operation marked the end of months of tireless efforts by international teams, who worked under the constant threat of further attacks and environmental consequences.
Greece played a pivotal role in rallying international support for the salvage operation. The Greek government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, called on nations worldwide to assist in managing the crisis. Political negotiations with the Houthis were critical to allowing salvage teams to tow the ship. Saudi Arabia, a key player in the region, also played a crucial role in facilitating the operation and ensuring its success.
Greek Shipping Minister Christos Stylianides expressed relief and satisfaction at the completion of the salvage. “It’s a great relief, mainly due to the environmental disaster risk. It was a very complex operation,” he told Reuters. The incident highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing threats to global maritime security and environmental preservation.
The successful salvage of MT Sounion has also strengthened ties between Greece and Saudi Arabia. During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Mitsotakis acknowledged the pivotal role the operation played in boosting bilateral relations. Both nations have expressed a commitment to enhancing cooperation in maritime security and environmental protection.
The incident underscores the ongoing risks posed by geopolitical tensions in the region. The Red Sea, a crucial maritime route for global trade, remains vulnerable to such attacks. However, the successful handling of the Sounion crisis demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated international efforts in mitigating potential disasters.
As the dust settles on this crisis, the focus now shifts to preventing similar incidents in the future. Strengthened maritime security, enhanced political dialogue, and robust environmental safeguards are essential to protecting vital waterways like the Red Sea.
Refrence From: www.ndtv.com