A Greek oil tanker struck by a missile from Yemeni Houthis in the Red Sea last week is now leaking oil, according to the U.S. Pentagon. The vessel, MV Sounion, is to be on fire and leaking oil, creating significant navigational and environmental risks, Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Pat Ryder stated. Salvage efforts are complicated by ongoing threats from the Houthis, who have attacked numerous vessels since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The tanker, which had 25 crew members on board, was en route from Iraq to Cyprus when it was targeted by missiles or drones approximately 90 miles from Hodeida, Yemen. The crew was rescued by a European warship and taken to Djibouti. The Sounion was transporting about 150,000 tons (nearly a million barrels) of crude oil. If the oil spills, it could become one of the largest maritime oil spills in recent history, rivaling the 1989 Exxon Valdez disaster, which involved 257,000 barrels.
The Houthi attacks have led shippers to avoid the Red Sea and Suez Canal, opting for the longer route around the Horn of Africa, which is expected to increase fuel consumption by 500,000 barrels per day in 2024.
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