Operation to tow stricken oil tanker to start Sunday – Yemeni Houthi minister
Source: Latest News
Tugs are expected to begin towing a damaged Greek oil tanker on Sunday (Sep 1), Yemen’s Houthi Foreign Minister Jamel Amer said, as the vessel remains adrift and on fire in the Red Sea.
The Greek-registered Sounion poses an environmental hazard after it was damaged in an Aug 21 strike by Houthi forces.
The tanker, which the Houthis and maritime sources have said has been rigged with explosives, is laden with about 1 million barrels of crude oil.
“Tug boats are expected to arrive tomorrow, Sunday, to begin towing the Sounion ship,” Amer said in a statement on Facebook.
The Houthis said on Wednesday they would allow salvage crews to tow the ship, which has been on fire since Aug 23, to safety amid fears of a potential slip of 150,000 tonnes of crude oil into the Red Sea.
If a spill occurs, it has the potential to be among the largest from a ship in recorded history and could cause an environmental catastrophe in an area that is particularly dangerous to access.
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