Oil Tanker Adrift in Red Sea After Attacks

A Greek-flagged oil tanker, the Sounion, was adrift in the Red Sea following repeated attacks that caused a fire and power loss. Despite minor damage and no injuries, the vessel is expected to continue its journey. These incidents add to the rising tensions in the region, drawing international concern.

A Greek-flagged oil tanker named the Sounion was left drifting in the Red Sea on Wednesday following a series of attacks that ignited a fire and resulted in a power outage, according to the UK maritime agency. The vessel was initially targeted by two small boats and hit by multiple projectiles approximately 77 nautical miles west of Yemen's port city of Hodeidah.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported a brief exchange of small arms fire during the incident. Subsequently, the ship encountered another attack that caused a fire and led to the loss of engine power. No injuries were reported among the 25 crew members, comprising two Russians and the rest Filipinos. A maritime source mentioned that the vessel is expected to sail on its own.

Delta Tankers, the operater of the ship, confirmed minor damages and that the crew is assessing the situation before continuing the journey. On the same day, another vessel reported two explosions in the water 57 nautical miles south of Aden. Further reports highlighted a third explosion near the Sounion, with no additional damage noted. The vessel is proceeding to its next port of call.

The region's intensifying conflict, with Iran-aligned Houthi militants targeting international shipping since November, is attributed to their support for Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict. These attacks have prompted U.S. and British retaliatory strikes on Houthi territories, significantly disrupting global trade routes.