Published 28/08/2024 – 16:38 CEST•updated before
18:13
The letter was sent to all Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres and regional authorities to inform them about the current situation, as the tanker continues to burn five days after the initial outbreak of the fire while anchored in international waters.
The commander of the ASPIDES operation, Rear Admiral Vasilios Gryparis, expresses his concern regarding the environmental threat created after the attack on the Greek tanker MV SOUNION in the Red Sea, sending a related letter today. “This situation presents a serious and immediate threat of regional pollution, with coastal states facing the highest risk,” Rear Admiral Gryparis states in his letter, among other things. The letter was sent to all Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres and regional authorities to inform them of the current situation. The tanker continues to burn while anchored in international waters five days after the initial outbreak of the fire, and its crew was safely evacuated from the very beginning.
Specifically, the headquarters of the ASPIDES operation in the region reported that fires have been identified in various locations on the main deck of the vessel. According to the update, there is no oil spill and the ship is still anchored and not being swept away. “All passing vessels in the area are advised to proceed with utmost caution, as the M/V SOUNION simultaneously poses a navigation hazard and a serious and immediate threat of regional pollution. To prevent a catastrophic environmental crisis, EU NAVALFORCES ASPIDES, in coordination with European authorities, is assessing the situation and is ready to facilitate protective action measures. Successful mitigation will require close coordination and active participation from regional states,” the update states.
In detail, the letter from Rear Admiral Vasilios Gryparis reads:
“I write to inform you and share our assessment of a critical incident that occurred on August 21, 2024. The Greek tanker MV SOUNION, while sailing in the Red Sea, was attacked by two skiffs and struck by unknown projectiles, resulting in engine failure. The crew and security team were successfully evacuated by the Asset Asset Chevalier Paul, but the ship is now anchored and burning.
This situation presents a serious and immediate threat of regional pollution, with coastal states facing the highest risk. To prevent a catastrophic environmental crisis, EU NAVAL FORCES Aspides, in coordination with European authorities, is assessing the situation and the feasibility of taking protective measures for any actions, such as towing the MV SOUNION.
Although we lack the specialized equipment or means for such a task, be assured that ASPIDES will do whatever it can to facilitate this effort according to the current operational mandate. Successful mitigation will require close coordination and active participation from regional states. Your cooperation and readiness to act are essential to prevent an environmental disaster that could have far-reaching consequences for the entire region.”