Greek-flagged vessel destroyed in Red Sea after string of Houthi attacks

·

A Greek oil tanker was repeatedly attacked in the Red Sea on Wednesday, August 21 leaving the vessel abandoned and drifting ablaze. The attack was suspected to have been carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The attack comes during an extensive campaign by Houthis targeting ships over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip that has disrupted a trade route through which $1 trillion in cargo typically annually passes.

In the brutal attack, a crew of men on small boats first opened fire with small arms. Four projectiles then hit the ship leaving the blazing vessel adrift.

“The vessel reports being not under command,” the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre (UKMTO) said.

The vessel was later identified as the tanker Sounion, which had 25 crew members on board as it traveled from Iraq to Cyprus. There were no reports of crew injuries or casualties.

The Houthis have targeted more than 80 vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started in October 2023. They seized one vessel and sank two in the campaign that also killed four sailors.

The last three recent attacks have all targeted vessels associated with Greek company Delta Tankers.

Shipping and Island Policy Minister Christos Stylianides condemned the attack, describing the incident as “a flagrant violation of the rules of international law and a serious threat to the security of international shipping.”

Photo: European Parliament / EU.

“Such actions endanger the lives of seafarers and disrupt the free movement of goods through critical maritime corridors,” Mr Stylianides added.

Sounion was confirmed to have been striked with missiles from two small boats while sailing 72 n.m. west of Hodeidah Yemen, in the Red Sea.

The damaged ship remains at the aforementioned site.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek Consulate in South Australia hosts Independence Day celebrations

On March 25, the Greek Consulate of South Australia hosted an evening of cultural pride and celebration to mark Greek National Day.

New survey shows more Aussies are turning to Greek cuisine

With rising grocery prices and the simplicity of Greek cooking, many Aussies are experimenting with traditional Greek recipes.

Aged care mogul’s son Stephen Arvanitis sells Toorak mansion for nearly $31 million

Stephen Arvanitis, son of aged care mogul Peter Arvanitis, has sold his Toorak mansion for approximately $29 million to $31 million.

Brisbane honours Greek Independence Day with grand celebration at Parliament House

The Greek community of Queensland came together in a night of pride, remembrance, and unity on the 204th anniversary of Greek Independence.

Sydney memorial service set to honour Cyprus War of Independence heroes

SEKA, the Cyprus Hellene Club Ltd and the Cyprus Community of NSW will host a Memorial Service to commemorate Cyprus National Day.

You May Also Like

Consulate General of Greece in Sydney to process only emergency cases

Consulate General of Greece in Sydney will only be handling emergency and strictly necessary consular cases, by appointment only.

Greek Patriot anti-aircraft missiles to be deployed in Saudi Arabia

Athens and Riyadh have reportedly agreed on the deployment of Patriot anti-aircraft missiles of the Hellenic Air Force in Saudi Arabia.

White Pearl Foundation to hold fifth annual Breakfast for Brain Cancer

The White Pearl Foundation on Friday, May 19, in support of brain cancer patients, is holding the 5th Annual Breakfast for Brain Cancer.