Greece is spearheading the mission to salvage the oil tanker "Sounion" following a Houthi rebel attack in the Red Sea, as anxieties rise over a potential ecological disaster due to the tanker's damaged condition.
New video footage of the attack has emerged, adding further urgency to the rescue operation.
Bloomberg reports that the rescue plan is a result of high-level collaborations between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, European allies, and key regional figures, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Notably, Greece also utilized communication channels with Iran, a known supporter of the Houthi militants.
The plan involves transferring the Sounion's oil cargo to another vessel and towing the tanker to a safe port, possibly Djibouti.
Despite initial threats against any towing attempt, the Houthis ultimately gave the green light.
The operation will be secured by Greek, French, and Italian naval vessels under the EU's "Aspides" mission, with Saudi officials likely overseeing the oil transfer. Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis assured that the operation would be conducted with utmost security.
The Sounion was carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil when attacked. While the crew was rescued, parts of the ship caught fire, raising fears of an oil leak. Although a Pentagon spokesperson stated the ship appeared to be leaking, representatives of the Aspides mission denied this.
A significant oil spill would devastate the coasts of Yemen and nearby countries.
In the worst-case scenario, if the entire cargo of the Sounion were to leak, it would be the fifth-largest oil spill in history.