The latest news and commentary on how the conflict in the Middle East is affecting the global maritime industry and shipping markets.
Fire takes hold on stricken tanker in Red Sea
At least five separate fires have been seen on the stricken suezmax tanker Sounion, following last week’s attack by Houthi fighters.
The 164,000 dwt vessel was first attacked on 21 August by Houthi unmanned surface vessel, and its master requested assistance from the EU military force in the region, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, after the ship lost power. All crew were rescued as at the time.
A further attack by Houthi military was recorded on 23 August causing the vessel to catch fire, but EUNAVFOR reported that there were no signs of an oil spill from the stricken vessel.
However, EUNAVFOR added: “There are fires on at least five locations observed on the main deck of the vessel. It is estimated that these are located around the hatches of the vessel’s oil tanks. Additionally, part of the superstructure is on fire, too.”
Sounion is anchored in international waters and remains a navigational hazard as well as posing an environmental risk should its 150,000 tonnes of oil spill into the sea.
“This situation underlines that these kinds of attacks pose not only a threat against the freedom of navigation but also to the lives of seafarers, the environment, and subsequently the life of all citizens living in that region,” said EUNAVFOR.
Sounion is owned by the Athens based operator Delta Tankers, which operates a fleet of 29 oil carriers.
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