U.S. Warns of Escalating Pollution Risk from Damaged Tanker in Red Sea

An abandoned oil tanker, attacked by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea a week ago, is now burning and leaking, potentially leading to an environmental disaster, according to a Pentagon spokesperson on August 27. The situation has raised alarm over what could become a severe ecological catastrophe in the region. The European Union’s naval force in the area had previously described the tanker as an imminent environmental threat but noted that there was no visible oil spill and that the vessel was anchored. This contrasts with U.S. reports indicating that the tanker is leaking oil, and a U.K. Navy post suggesting the ship might be drifting. The 900-foot tanker, Sounion, was transporting 150,000 tons of dense Iraqi crude oil when it was attacked and disabled by Houthi militants last week. The crew was rescued, but further fires were reported on board, and the Houthis released a video showing the attack and explosion. The incident highlights the complexities of addressing environmental damage in a region designated as a warlike area by maritime insurers. The Pentagon stated that the Houthis have warned off salvage teams attempting to approach the tanker, making it unclear how a potential leak, which could rank among the largest oil spills in history, might be handled. Modern oil tankers like the Sounion are designed with multiple tanks and double hulls to minimize spills, but the exact nature of the leak remains uncertain. Maj. Gen. Patrick