A Greek-flagged oil tanker, the Sounion, carrying 25 crew members, was attacked in the Red Sea by more than a dozen people in two small boats. The attackers fired projectiles at the ship, causing a fire to break out and leaving the vessel adrift. The crew, consisting of 23 Filipinos and two Russians, reportedly escaped unharmed. Greece’s Maritime Affairs Minister condemned the attack as a violation of international law and a threat to international shipping security.
The ship, operated by Delta Tankers, was en route from Iraq to Athens when the attack occurred. This is the third Delta Tankers-operated vessel to be targeted by the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels near Yemen in recent months. The Houthis have not claimed responsibility for the Sounion attack, but they have been targeting international shipping as a show of solidarity with Palestinians.
In another incident near the Yemeni port city of Aden, a merchant ship reported five explosions, but there were no reported casualties. These attacks have led many ship owners to avoid the Red Sea region, opting for longer and more costly routes to ensure the safety of their vessels. The Houthis have sunk two ships and killed at least three crew members in their attacks, prompting concerns about the security of maritime trade in the area. The situation remains tense as authorities assess the impact of these attacks on international shipping.
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