The Houthis say tugboats can tow the stricken tanker under attack in the Red Sea

Yemen’s Houthi militants have said they will let tugboats tow an oil tanker they attacked last week in the Red Sea, a step that could help avert an environmental disaster.

The 900-foot Sunion was carrying 150,000 tons of Iraqi heavy crude oil when it was hit. The ship’s crew was rescued by the French navy, but the Pentagon said this week that it was leaking.

The US said two tugboats had been sent to the tanker in recent days, but were alerted by rebels, who have for months attacked commercial ships in the region in protest at Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Red Sea insurance nearly doubles after attacked tanker appears to be leaking oil

On Wednesday evening, a spokesman for the group said it would allow tugboats to “tow” the Sounion. Salvage operations can be complex and it remains to be seen whether towing the vessel elsewhere will be considered the best first step if it has a leak.

The decision came after the Houthis were approached by some international parties, mainly European, said the spokesman for the Al-Masirah group’s television station.

The Houthis say they are targeting ships linked to Israel, the US and Britain in solidarity with Hamas as its war against Israel in Gaza continues.

The European Union’s naval force said this week that the tank was not leaking and also contradicted the British navy, which said it was adrift.

Iran, which backs the Houthis, also said overnight that the group was prepared to let rescuers approach Sounion safely.

Photo: In this handout screenshot released by the Houthi group’s media center on August 23, 2024, fires can be seen aboard the Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion. (Photo by Houthi Media Center via Getty Images)

Related:

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

TOPICS
Energy Oil Gas