The European maritime mission “Aspides” announced on Tuesday that conditions are “unfavorable” for towing the Greek oil tanker “Sunion,” which caught fire following an attack by the Houthis off the coast of Yemen, warning of an “unprecedented” environmental disaster in the region. Aspides, which is focused on security in the Red Sea, reported via its X platform account that “private companies responsible for the rescue operation concluded that the conditions were not favorable for conducting the tow, and it was unsafe to proceed,” according to France Press.
An “unprecedented environmental disaster” looms as these companies are now exploring alternative solutions, without providing further details regarding safety in an area that continuously sees commercial ships targeted. The mission added that its goal is to “facilitate the prevention of an unprecedented environmental disaster in the region,” emphasizing its continued focus on its core mission as a reliable provider of maritime security from the European Union, aiming to contribute to the freedom of navigation for commercial ships in its operational area. This statement came a day after the mission announced that the towing operation was “about to begin.”
Houthi Attack
On August 21, the “Sunion,” flying the Greek flag, was attacked by the Houthis, which led to a fire on board and the engine’s breakdown, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The Houthis announced they had mined and then detonated the oil tanker “Sunion,” which they had previously attacked in the Red Sea, causing multiple fires on board before “allowing” its rescue. The crew of the “Sunion,” consisting of 23 Filipinos and two Russians, was evacuated the day after the attack by a French frigate participating in the European mission.
Aspides was launched in February to protect commercial ships from Houthi attacks. It is strictly defensive and is authorized to open fire to defend the ships or itself. Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched attacks with drones and missiles on the Red Sea, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza conflict. In more than 200 attacks, they have sunk two ships, seized another, and killed at least three sailors. They have repeatedly threatened to extend their attacks to the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
The Houthis’ attacks have impacted shipping traffic in this strategic region, through which 12% of global trade passes, prompting the United States to form an international maritime coalition and strike Houthi targets in Yemen, with Britain participating in some of these strikes.
