Greek Tanker Attacked in Red Sea, Crew Rescued

A Greek-flagged oil tanker, Sounion, was attacked in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen on August 21, 2024. The tanker, which is operated by Delta Tankers and was en route from Iraq to Greece, was struck by multiple projectiles, leading to a fire on board and causing the vessel to lose power and become adrift. The attack took place approximately 77 nautical miles west of the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah.

The crew of 25, consisting of two Russians and 23 Filipinos, was forced to abandon the vessel following the assault. They were subsequently rescued by the European Union’s Red Sea naval mission “Aspides,” which also neutralized a potential threat from an unmanned surface vehicle in the area. The attackers are suspected to be Houthi rebels, who have been involved in similar incidents since November 2023, though they have not claimed responsibility for this specific attack.

This attack is part of a broader pattern of assaults on international shipping in the Red Sea, linked to the ongoing conflict involving Houthi rebels and broader geopolitical tensions in the region. These incidents have severely impacted global trade, with shipping companies increasingly rerouting their vessels to avoid the area.

Greek authorities have condemned the attack, labeling it a severe violation of international law and a significant threat to maritime safety. The incident marks the third such attack on a vessel operated by Delta Tankers in the Red Sea this month​.