Yemen’s Houthis release video showing explosions on Greek tanker

The Iran-backed group Yemen’s Houthis posted videos showing their forces’ deliberate blowing up of the Greek-flagged tanker Sounion, whose crew has been forced to abandon the ship after a series of attacks on August 21. A screen grab from a video posted on X shows the tanker after it had been struck.

Last week, a unit from the European Union’s Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) operation ASPIDES destroyed an unmanned surface vessel (USV) that posed an imminent threat to the ship and the crew.

The USV was identified as a threat to the Greek-flagged tanker Sounion, which had been under the protection of ASPIDES following a request from the vessel’s master.

The operation dispatched a ship in order to rescue the crew.

The crew of the Sounion, who had abandoned the vessel due to the imminent threat, were rescued safely by ASPIDES.

French navy rescues crew of stricken tanker targeted in Red Sea

Specifically, the French destroyer was dispatched under the European Union’s ASPIDES operation, in coordination with the French forces stationed in the United Arab Emirates, to assist the stricken vessel.

The French destroyer successfully thwarted the attack and proceeded to evacuate the crew members.

“All on board the MV Sounion were subsequently rescued and are being transported to Djibouti, the nearest safe port of call,” the operation said.

French navy rescues crew of stricken tanker targeted in Red Sea

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES emphasised, “The lives of seafarers and freedom on the high seas are non-negotiable values and their protection is a key objective of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES.”

On August 21, the vessel, which had not asked for EUNAFVOR ASPIDES protection, came under an attack in the South Red Sea area and lost its engine power.

As it is reported by the Greek ministry of maritime affairs and insular policy, the vessel with 25 crew members, foreign nationals, came under attack while sailing 72 nautical miles west of Hodeidah in Yemen on the Red Sea.

All crew members are reported to be in good health. The incident caused material damage to the ship, which had sailed from Iraq to Agios Theodoros.

The Sounion is now anchored in international waters, according to a press release from the French Forces stationed in the UAE and deployed in the Indian Ocean.