News Date 2024.08.28
According to the US Pentagon, an oil tanker that was attacked by Houthi rebels from Yemen last week in the Red Sea is still on fire and might be spilling oil.
The Houthis, who have threatened more attacks, have thwarted attempts to salvage the Greek-owned and flagged MV Sounion, the Pentagon adds.With over 150,000 tonnes, or one million barrels, of crude oil on board, a significant spill could rank among the biggest ship spills in history.
“Houthi-attacked tanker may be leaking oil – US”
The Houthis, who rule over most of Yemen and are supported by Iran, claim to have been attacking ships in the Red Sea for the past ten months in an effort to aid the Palestinians fighting Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
According to reports, they have killed at least two crew members and sunk two ships during that time.
They have asserted, frequently in error, that they are only targeting ships with ties to the US, the UK, or Israel.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office reported that last Wednesday, the Sounion was struck by gunfire from two small boats and three unidentified projectiles. The fire caused the Sounion to lose engine power.
A day later, a European warship rescued its twenty-five crew members and brought them to Djibouti.
Later, the oil tanker was attacked once more, and the Houthis allegedly set it on fire in a video that they uploaded.
(Source: BBC)
