Delta Tankers’ Sounion Attacked Off Yemen: Marking Third Strike on Fleet Amidst Rising Red Sea Tensions
In a troubling escalation of maritime conflict, Greece’s Delta Tankers has seen another vessel from its fleet come under attack in the Red Sea. The attack, which occurred earlier today, marks the third such incident involving the company’s ships in recent weeks and is the first confirmed strike by Houthi forces in eight days.
The Sounion Incident
In the early hours of the 20th August morning, the Sounion, a large oil tanker owned and managed by Delta Tankers, was attacked 77 nautical miles west of Hodeidah, Yemen. The incident occurred in a region that has become increasingly perilous for commercial vessels, particularly those linked to nations or entities perceived as adversarial by the Houthi rebels.
According to reports from Vanguard, a prominent security firm specializing in maritime security, the Sounion was approached by two small crafts, one carrying three to five individuals and the other with ten. The crafts engaged the tanker in a brief exchange of small arms fire before the distance between them and the tanker increased to approximately two nautical miles. However, the situation quickly escalated when two unidentified projectiles struck the tanker, followed shortly by a third hit.
Smoke was soon reported in the engine room, and one crew member sustained minor injuries in the chaos that ensued. The vessel, now disabled, has reported it is not under command, rendering it vulnerable to further attacks or environmental hazards. Vanguard’s report suggests that the Houthi attack on the Sounion may be part of a broader strategy targeting vessels associated with Israel or its allies.
A String of Attacks
This incident is the latest in a series of attacks against Delta Tankers’ fleet. Earlier this month, another tanker, the Delta Blue, endured four separate assaults within 24 hours. These attacks, involving rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), occurred while the vessel was navigating the same dangerous waters near Yemen. Fortunately, these attacks did not result in any injuries or physical damage to the ship, but they underscored the growing peril faced by commercial shipping in the region.
Vanguard has speculated that Delta Tankers’ connection to Israel might be the driving force behind these targeted attacks. The Delta Star, another vessel under the same ownership, was recorded as having called at an Israeli port in July. This association appears to have drawn the ire of the Houthi forces, who have been known to target entities they perceive as supporting or being aligned with Israel.
The Red Sea, particularly the waters off the coast of Yemen, has long been a flashpoint for conflict. The ongoing civil war in Yemen has seen the Houthi rebels, who control much of the northern part of the country, engage in a series of maritime and land-based attacks aimed at asserting their control and sending a message to the international community. Ships, especially those with connections to nations perceived as hostile to the Houthi cause, have often found themselves in the crosshairs.
The Broader Implications
The attack on the Sounion is particularly concerning for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights the escalating threat to commercial shipping in the Red Sea, a crucial artery for global trade and oil transportation. Secondly, it underscores the growing boldness of the Houthi rebels, who have not hesitated to target large, foreign-owned vessels in a bid to assert their dominance in the region.
The Red Sea’s strategic importance cannot be overstated. It is a vital conduit for oil shipments from the Middle East to Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Any disruption in this region can have far-reaching consequences, potentially affecting global oil prices and leading to broader economic instability. The Sounion incident, therefore, is not just a maritime security issue but a potential flashpoint with global ramifications.
Furthermore, the attack on the Sounion may prompt a re-evaluation of shipping routes by other companies, particularly those with ties to nations that the Houthis consider adversarial. Delta Tankers’ refusal to reroute its vessels away from the Red Sea, despite the increasing threat level, suggests a level of defiance or a calculated risk that may not be shared by other shipping companies. However, this strategy comes with significant dangers, as evidenced by the repeated attacks on its fleet.
Warnings and Precautions
In the wake of the Sounion attack, Ambrey, another leading maritime security firm, has issued a stern warning to all merchant ships operating in the vicinity. The firm has advised vessels to maintain a distance of at least five nautical miles from the area and to report any suspicious activity immediately. This advice underscores the precarious situation in the Red Sea and the need for heightened vigilance among all seafarers in the region.
The Sounion’s current status as disabled and not under command also raises concerns about the immediate safety of its crew and the potential for further attacks. Rescue operations or assistance from nearby vessels may be complicated by the risk of additional Houthi strikes, creating a tense and dangerous environment for all involved.
The attack on the Sounion marks a significant escalation in the ongoing maritime conflict in the Red Sea. As the third Delta Tankers vessel to come under attack in recent weeks, it highlights the increasing risks faced by commercial shipping in this volatile region. The potential connection between these attacks and Delta Tankers’ affiliation with Israel underscores the broader geopolitical tensions at play.
With the Red Sea being a critical route for global trade, the implications of these attacks extend far beyond the immediate vicinity of Yemen. As security firms issue warnings and shipping companies weigh their options, the international community will be watching closely to see how this situation develops—and whether it could lead to a broader escalation in an already fraught region.
