EU-Led Mission Begins Salvage of Fire-Damaged Oil Tanker in Red Sea

The operation aims to prevent a catastrophic oil spill after the vessel was attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels.

The Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion, carrying 1 million barrels of crude oil, has been burning in the Red Sea since an attack on August 21 by Yemen's Houthi rebels.
A European Union naval mission, Operation Aspides, is overseeing the salvage operation, which includes towing the tanker to safety.
The first step involves securing the tanker to the tugboat Aigaion Pelagos, followed by the transfer of its oil cargo, with assistance from Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis have targeted over 80 vessels in the Red Sea since the war in Gaza began in October, claiming to target ships linked to Israel, the U.S., or the U.K.
The operation is complex and risky, with temperatures on the burning vessel reaching up to 400 degrees Celsius, and aims to avert a major environmental disaster.