French Navy Destroys Bomb-Carrying Drone Boat & Rescues 29 Crew From Attacked Oil Tanker In Red Sea

A French Navy destroyer rescues 29 mariners aboard the Houthi-hit Greek oil tanker Sounion repeatedly attacked in the Red Sea.

The vessel was under attack by small arms fire and projectiles, and the French Navy also neutralized a bomb-carrying drone boat during the operation.

The tanker is anchored in the Red Sea, posing a navigational and environmental risk due to its 1,50,000 tonnes of cargo oil.

The Sounion, operated by Delta Tankers, didn’t ask for an escort before the attacks. The French Navy intervened after detecting another attack while approaching the drifting tanker and intercepted the unmanned drone boat loaded with explosives.

The ship had already been hit with multiple projectiles, resulting in a fire in the engine room and subsequent water intake and electrical failures.

The rescued crew of 25 Filipinos, Russians, and four private security personnel has been transported to Djibouti. One crew member suffered a minor injury.

The European Union’s Operation Aspides stated that the Sounion’s fire had been extinguished, but the vessel continues to pose a high risk due to its hazardous cargo.

The Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the attack on the Sounion, reporting that the ship was at risk of sinking.

In response to the escalating tensions, the United States military has strengthened its presence in the region, deploying additional aircraft carriers and fighter jets.

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group and the USS Georgia-guided missile submarine have been deployed to the Middle East, and other measures are being implemented to counter the threat posed by Houthi attacks.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations issued a warning about the presence of small boats nearby. Despite repeated attacks on Delta Tankers vessels, the Sounion did not seek EU protection before the incident.

Reference: AP

French Navy Destroys Bomb-Carrying Drone Boat & Rescues 29 Crew From Attacked Oil Tanker In Red Sea appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News