IMO Secretary-General Condemns Attack On MV Sounion Tanker In The Red Sea

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) criticized a recent attack on the Greek-flagged oil tanker MV Sounion in the Southern Red Sea.

Last week, Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists struck the ship carrying around 1,50,000 tonnes or approximately one million barrels of crude oil with multiple explosives and projectiles.

According to IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, the incident is unacceptable. It risks the lives of innocent seafarers and escalates regional tensions.

All the crew members onboard the vessel were safely rescued, and rescue operations are underway despite challenging circumstances.

While the Pentagon first reported a potential oil leak, EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES later clarified on August 28, 2024, that the vessel, still anchored and on fire, is not currently leaking oil.

The operations team has cautioned nearby vessels to navigate carefully due to the risks posed by the ongoing situation.

Efforts to salvage the MV Sounion have been complicated by threats from Houthi militants to attack rescue operations, increasing the risk of an environmental crisis.

Dominguez stated that the risk of an oil spill posing an extremely serious environmental hazard remains high.

The incident is part of a series of drone and missile strikes by Houthi rebels targeting international shipping in support of Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The IMO is working with national, regional and UN bodies to address the safety, security and environmental issues raised by the damaged vessel.

Dominguez reiterated his call to end such cowardly, illegal, and unjustifiable attacks on international shipping, highlighting the need to respect merchant ships’ and seafarers’ rights to navigate freely and safely, free of geopolitical conflict.

European authorities and EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES are actively monitoring the situation to prevent potential pollution in the Red Sea and safeguard maritime navigation.

Reference: IMO

IMO Secretary-General Condemns Attack On MV Sounion Tanker In The Red Sea appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News