Burning Sounion now under tow

Flanked by naval ships, the Sounion is on its third day under tow in an operation to avert one of the worst environmental catastrophes in the Red Sea. 

The tanker was hit by multiple projectiles from the Houthis of Yemen on August 21, with the crew evacuating and the Houthis then boarding the Sounion and detonating a series of explosives.

Laden with 1.1m barrels of Iraqi crude, the Delta Tankers ship risks becoming the fifth worst tanker spill of all time. 

Fires are still visible from its deck as the delicate operation to tow it northwards proceeds slowly.

The ship is being escorted by three frigates, with helicopters overhead, while three tugs are engaged in the towage operation. The Sounion’s destination is currently unknown with European naval forces who are leading the operation merely stating a “safe location”.