In pictures: Houthi-struck MT Sounion salvage completed

Sounion, a tanker extensively damaged by Houthi attacks in August 2024, has been successfully salvaged, according to risk intelligence company Ambrey.

A Houthi missile strike on August 21, 2024, left Sounion without propulsion, and the ship was left burning and with blown cargo tank tops after the detonation of explosive charges placed during a Houthi boarding of the ship on August 23. A French frigate, part of the EU Naval Forces (EUNAVFOR), rescued the entire 29-strong crew on August 22 under fire from surface and aerial drones. 

Carrying 140,000 tonnes of crude oil, the disabled and burning Sounion posed a risk of an environmental disaster “four times the size of the Exxon Valdez disaster,” the US State Department said at the time. The completion of removal of the ship’s cargo at Suez marks the end of a long and complex salvage operation.

The ship’s location after the attacks, dragging anchor 58 miles off Yemen’s coast, was not suitable for the firefighting operations critical to controlling the 19 fires onboard in order to prevent further structural damage and enable the safe recovery of the ship.

Sitting within range of Houthi motherships and weapons systems, diplomatic operations were key to enabling access to the ship for required experts, salvage assets, and the military escorts necessary to ensure their safety. Explosives experts first inspected the vessel to clear unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) before salvors could undertake the first tow of a blazing laden tanker of this size. 

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Further diplomatic work allowed critical equipment to reach the area by eliminating customs delays, including for firefighting equipment flown in on chartered aircraft. Specialist tugs were mobilised from Greece, reflecting the lack of advanced salvage and firefighting equipment in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

“The specialists required for the salvage, firefighting and oil spill response had to be prepared to conduct their already difficult and dangerous tasks in the midst of a war zone,” said Ambrey.

Action got underway in mid-September, when seven salvage vessels reached Sounion along with a three-ship naval escort from EUNAVFOR and close air support. The stricken ship was secured and towed 150 miles north, where firefighters could begin their operations, primarily working at night due to the challenging heat and humidity. After three weeks, the fires were extinguished, and the cargo tanks were patched and pressurised with inert gas to prevent further fires. At this point the ships could be declared safe and towed north to Suez for cargo offloading. 

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"Ambrey pays tribute and is grateful to all the brave military and civilian partners, suppliers, and crew members involved in this complex salvage operation. The collaboration and dedication from all parties enabled us to collectively prevent an environmental catastrophe, save the vessel, and keep all involved safe. This project is a testament to the true purpose of all those who contributed," said Ambrey CEO Christopher Crookall.

Ambrey said operational partners included Megatugs Salvage & Towage, Diaplous, Offmain, Fire Aid, Pro Liquid, and Ambipar Response, with a total of over 200 specialists and crew assembled to secure, tow, and extinguish the fires, allowing for the safe removal and transfer of her cargo.