Sounion ablaze at anchor after Red Sea attack, but ‘not leaking oil’ EU naval force says
Shipowner Delta Tankers has declined to comment about whether any salvage efforts are under way, citing security reasons
Suezmax tanker was blown up by the Houthis on Saturday after its crew were rescued following an attack by three projectiles three days earlier
GREECE-FLAGGED suezmaz tanker Sounion (IMO: 9312145) remains ablaze in the Red Sea with its cargo of nearly 1m barrels of heavy crude, with Greek shipowner Delta Tankers declining to comment on any salvage efforts or the ship’s condition, citing security reasons.
The tanker was blown up by Houthi insurgents on Saturday after it was attacked on August 21, and crew rescued by a French naval frigate.
Operation Aspides, also known as EUNAVFOR Aspides — an EU military operation in response to Houthi engagements with international shipping in the Red Sea — said in its last update yesterday (Monday) that there was fire visible in at least five locations on the main deck, near the vessel’s oil tanks, and the superstructure, but that the vessel was not leaking oil, and was not adrift.
“All vessels in the area must exercise extreme caution, as the Sounion is both a navigational and an imminent environmental hazard,” the update said.
The shipowner, war risk insurer and naval forces have all declined to comment on how or when salvage efforts will begin for the tanker, which remains at anchor, with 830,000 barrels of Basrah Heavy crude, according to Vortexa.
Shipowner Delta Tankers is beneficially owned by Diamantis Diamantides and family, and one of 58 vessels in the fleet, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence.
The charterer of the vessel is unknown; Delta Tankers, has declined to provide details, again citing security reasons. Vortexa forecast the final destination of the cargo as Rotterdam.
The vessel was hit by three projectiles, with Delta Tankers vessels previously targeted by Houthis for allegedly calling at Israeli ports.
A spokesman from EU Aspides said: “We must be proactive and prepared for several actions that could be taken if asked or ordered.”
Salvage was the owner’s responsibility, he added.
“Delta Tankers is doing everything it can to move the vessel (and cargo). For security reasons, we are not in a position to comment further,” the company said via media consultants Navigate Response.
“Delta Tankers is grateful for the assistance received from EUNAVFOR (French Navy).
“Delta Tankers upholds safety and security as its highest priorities and maintains close communication with maritime security authorities. We are updated continually with all regular security advisories for shipping.
“For security reasons, we will not be commenting further on vessel routing at this time.”
