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Houthi Attacks on Delta Tankers: Fire and Drifting Reported in Third Strike

Houthi Attacks on Delta Tankers: Fire and Drifting Reported in Third Strike
Image Credit: AI

August 21, 2024, In a dramatic escalation of maritime threats in the Red Sea, a tanker operated by Greece’s Delta Tankers has suffered significant damage after being attacked by Houthi forces.

This incident marks the third strike against vessels owned by Delta Tankers in recent weeks, signalling a troubling pattern of aggression that is raising alarm within the global shipping community.

Background and Initial Engagement

The Sounion (163,759 dwt), a Greek-flagged tanker, set sail from Iraq on August 12, 2024, destined for Cape Town, South Africa. As the vessel navigated northbound through the Red Sea, bound for Cyprus, it became the target of a calculated Houthi assault.

The tanker was approximately 77 nautical miles west of Hodeidah, Yemen, when it was approached by two small boats in the early hours of the morning.

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The attackers, operating from boats carrying between three to ten individuals, attempted to engage the tanker, leading to an exchange of small arms fire. Despite the intensity of the situation, the boats eventually retreated to a distance of about two nautical miles, allowing the tanker to continue its journey, albeit under tense circumstances.

The Escalation: Multiple Strikes and Damage Reports

Two hours after the initial encounter, the Sounion was struck by two projectiles, causing what was initially reported as minor damage. Delta Tankers quickly confirmed that there were no injuries among the 25 crew members and that the vessel, though damaged, could potentially proceed under its own power. However, the situation rapidly deteriorated.

Less than an hour after the first strike, a second, more severe attack occurred. This time, the tanker’s master reported that a fire had broken out onboard, and the vessel had lost engine power, leaving it adrift and unable to navigate.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) promptly classified the ship as “drifting and not under command,” highlighting the grave danger it now faced.

Smoke was seen billowing from the engine room, and initial reports confirmed a minor injury to one crew member. The vessel’s condition, coupled with the lingering presence of suspicious small boats in the area, raised serious concerns about the safety of the crew and the potential for further escalation.

The attack on the Sounion has drawn swift condemnation from the international community. Greece’s Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Christos Stylianides, described the strike as a “flagrant violation of international law,” underscoring the severity of the situation. While the Houthis have yet to officially claim responsibility for this particular attack, their involvement is widely suspected, especially given their previous statements targeting Delta Tankers due to its alleged connections with Israel.

This incident is part of a broader series of aggressive actions by the Houthis in the region. Earlier in August, two other tankers operated by Delta Tankers were targeted in similar attacks. On August 9, the Delta Blue (158,000 dwt), flagged under Liberia, reported four unsuccessful attacks in the Red Sea.

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Just days later, on August 13, the Delta Atlantica (161,762 dwt), another Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker, faced a similar barrage, with armed guards on board successfully detonating a drone boat that posed a threat to the vessel.

Broader Maritime Security Concerns

The latest attack on the Sounion comes at a time of heightened tension in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. Although there had been a relative lull in Houthi attacks against merchant vessels in July and August, today’s events underscore the persistent threat posed by these forces. The international maritime community remains on high alert, with US Central Command and other authorities continuously monitoring the situation.

Adding to the growing list of concerns, another vessel in the Gulf of Aden reported explosions in the water shortly after the attack on the Sounion. The unidentified ship, located 57 nautical miles south of Aden, reported two explosions, followed by a third an hour and a half later. Fortunately, the ship was undamaged and continued on its course, but the incident has further heightened fears of escalating violence in the region.

What This Means for the Global Maritime Industry

The implications of these attacks extend far beyond the immediate damage to the Sounion and other Delta Tankers vessels. The Red Sea and surrounding waters are critical arteries in the global maritime industry, serving as key transit routes for oil, gas, and other essential commodities. Any disruption in this region can have a ripple effect on global trade, leading to increased shipping costs, delays in supply chains, and heightened risks for vessels transiting these waters.

The repeated targeting of commercial vessels by Houthi forces sends a clear message that these waters are becoming increasingly dangerous, especially for oil tankers and other high-value vessels. This situation could lead to several significant consequences:

  1. Increased Security Measures: Shipping companies may need to invest in enhanced security measures, including the hiring of armed guards, the installation of advanced defense systems, and the development of contingency plans for navigating high-risk areas.
  2. Rising Insurance Costs: The perceived risk of operating in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden is likely to drive up insurance premiums for vessels transiting these routes. This, in turn, could increase the cost of shipping goods through these waters, with potential knock-on effects for global trade prices.
  3. Route Diversions: Some shipping companies may choose to divert their vessels away from these high-risk areas altogether, opting for longer, more costly routes to avoid the threat of attack. Such diversions could lead to delays in the delivery of goods and further strain on already stressed global supply chains.
  4. International Military Presence: The ongoing attacks could prompt a greater international military presence in the region, with naval forces from multiple countries patrolling the waters to deter further aggression. While this might improve security, it also raises the risk of military escalation in an already volatile region.
  5. Diplomatic Tensions: These attacks could exacerbate diplomatic tensions between the involved parties, potentially leading to broader geopolitical conflicts. The involvement of international players, including those with vested interests in the security of the Red Sea, could complicate efforts to resolve the situation peacefully.

The attack on Delta Tankers' Sounion is a stark reminder of the volatile environment in which global shipping operations must navigate. As the situation in the Red Sea continues to develop, the international community must remain vigilant, ensuring that measures are in place to protect merchant vessels and their crews from further harm.

This latest incident highlights the need for continued international cooperation and robust security measures to counter the growing threats in the region. The safety of global shipping routes, particularly those critical to the world’s energy supply, hinges on the ability of nations to work together in addressing these challenges head-on.

The global maritime industry must adapt to these evolving threats, balancing the need for security with the imperatives of keeping global trade flowing smoothly. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether the region can stabilise or if it will become a more dangerous choke point for international shipping.