Salvage operations for the attacked Greek-owned tanker MV Sounion have been delayed after private companies determined that towing the tanker in the Red Sea is currently not feasible.
Fears emerged last week after a statement from the Pentagon on Tuesday, August 27 said the tanker appeared to be leaking oil, potentially causing environmental devastation. Later on Wednesday, August 28, Aspides reported that there was no oil spill from the Sounion and that the tanker was anchored and not adrift.
Since September 1st, 2024, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES assets have been engaged in protecting the tugs involved in the MV SOUNION salvage operation, aiming to facilitate the prevention of an unprecedented environmental disaster in the region.
— EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (@EUNAVFORASPIDES) September 3, 2024
The private companies responsible for the… pic.twitter.com/WB9srXYJA8
The Aspides operation, which has been safeguarding the tugs near MV Sounion since September 1, continues to work on preventing an environmental disaster. The tanker remains anchored and on fire.
Due to safety concerns, the private companies have reported that towing the vessel is currently too risky, prompting the search for alternative solutions.
The Aspides operation’s main goal remains to protect international shipping in the Red Sea region.
