CNN has reported that a Greek-flagged oil tanker carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil has become an “environmental threat” after being attacked with shells and gunfire in the Red Sea. The European Union’s naval mission in the Red Sea, “Aspidess,” a defensive maritime security operation aimed at protecting commercial vessels in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Gulf, rescued the crew of the oil tanker Seunion, which consisted of 25 people, after it was attacked by another ship.
A maritime security source stated yesterday that the damaged tanker, which lost engine power, is now anchored between Yemen and Eritrea. The Aspidess mission said in a statement that the 150,000 tons of crude oil on board the ship now pose a navigational and environmental hazard in the region.
The naval mission added that “it is essential that everyone in the region exercise caution and refrain from any actions that could further deteriorate the current situation.” Meanwhile, the Houthi group in Yemen announced yesterday evening that they targeted two ships, one of which is now at risk of sinking in the Red Sea.
In the meantime, the Philippines urged its sailors yesterday to avoid the Red Sea due to missile and drone attacks by the Houthi group in Yemen targeting vessels in this critical waterway.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs advised Filipino citizens to avoid the entire region unless it is absolutely necessary for their livelihood, citing the escalating conflict in the Red Sea, which poses a clear and present danger to all Filipino seafarers working in the area.
This warning follows the rescue of 23 Filipino crew members of a Greek-flagged oil tanker that was hit by several projectiles off the coast of the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah, which is under Houthi control, last Wednesday. The attack on the Seunion caused a fire and engine failure.
Many Filipino seafarers are employed in the global shipping industry.
Last Thursday, Manila reported that the Seunion is the ninth ship with Filipino crew members to be attacked by the Houthis.
A Filipino sailor remains missing following the attack on the vessel MV Tutor in the Red Sea last June, while 17 Filipino crew members of the Galaxy Leader ship are still being held by the Houthis after they seized the vessel last November.
