Houthi Attack on Greek Oil Tanker Causes Fire

Greece has reported an oil slick extending over two nautical miles around the Greek tanker Sounion, which was attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The vessel, carrying one million barrels of crude oil, has been on fire since August 23, but recent reports confirm that the barrels remain intact despite some leakage from the ship itself. The Houthis have agreed to allow salvage operations to begin after international pleas for humanitarian and environmental considerations, alleviating fears of a substantial spill. The EU's Red Sea naval mission has indicated that no significant oil spill has been detected thus far, even as salvage operations commence. Concerns persist, however, about the potential for a catastrophic spill if the situation worsens. The ongoing conflict involving the Houthis has led to disruptions in shipping routes and heightened risks for commercial vessels in the area.