Fires on board Greek-flagged tanker after Houthi attack in Red Sea, says maritime agency

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🗞️ Driving the news: A Greek-flagged oil tanker, the Sounion, caught fire after being attacked by Houthi militants in the Red Sea
• The attack is part of a broader campaign by the Houthis, who have aligned themselves with Palestinians in the conflict between Israel and Hamas
• Following the initial damage and engine failure on Wednesday, the crew of 25 was safely evacuated by a European warship

🔭 The context: The Houthis, who control significant portions of Yemen, have escalated their attacks on commercial shipping to draw attention to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
• The Sounion was the third vessel operated by Delta Tankers targeted by the Houthis this month
• The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges and instability in the Red Sea region, a critical maritime corridor

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The tanker is carrying 150,000 metric tons of crude oil, posing a significant environmental risk
• Any potential oil spill could have disastrous consequences for the Red Sea’s marine ecosystem, which is already vulnerable due to regional conflicts and environmental degradation

⏭️ What's next: Efforts are underway by Delta Tankers to manage the situation and prevent environmental disaster, although specific details are not being disclosed for security reasons
• Ongoing military and diplomatic efforts may focus on ensuring the safety of shipping lanes in the Red Sea and preventing further escalation of maritime conflicts

💬 One quote: “A potential spill could lead to disastrous consequences for the region’s marine environment,” warned the Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority

📈 One stat: The Sounion was carrying 150,000 metric tons of crude oil when it was attacked

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