30 August 2024
A potential oil spill stretching 2.2 nautical miles has been detected near the Sounion tanker in the Red Sea, following an attack by Houthi rebels earlier this month. The Greek shipping authority reported this finding to the UN maritime agency, based on satellite imagery from the European Maritime Safety Agency. While the exact nature of the spill is unclear, with US officials stating the main cargo remains intact, there are concerns about potential fuel leakage from the damaged engine. The situation poses a significant environmental threat to the Red Sea, prompting Greece to call for international assistance in addressing the hazard and resolving the crisis involving the Greek-flagged vessel carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil.