IMO warns of imminent oil spill risk after attack on tanker in Red Sea

The Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has raised alarm over the environmental threat posed by the MV Sounion, a tanker that was attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea last week. Reports surfaced on Tuesday evening suggesting that the ship might be leaking oil.

In a statement on Wednesday afternoon, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez expressed deep concern about the potential for an oil spill, noting the widespread apprehension about the environmental damage such a spill could cause in the region.

"I am extremely concerned about the situation regarding the tanker MV Sounion, which was targeted while transiting the Southern Red Sea. The tanker is carrying approximately 150,000 tonnes of oil or about one million barrels of crude oil," Dominguez said.

The IMO stated that it is in communication with national, regional, and UN entities, as well as other stakeholders, as efforts continue to address the situation. However, salvage attempts have been hindered by the Houthis, who have threatened further attacks.

"This is yet another unacceptable attack on international shipping, putting the lives of innocent seafarers at risk. We are prepared to offer any technical assistance necessary to address the ongoing safety, security, and environmental challenges posed by the stricken vessel," the Secretary-General added.

According to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) office, the Greek-owned ship was attacked last Wednesday when it was struck by three projectiles, sparking a fire and leaving it without engine power. The ship's 25 crew members were rescued by a European warship a day later and taken to Djibouti.

Carrying more than 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, the MV Sounion poses the risk of causing one of the largest oil spills from a ship in history.

The Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea for 10 months, in support of Palestinians in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas along the Gaza Strip.

"I continue to monitor the situation closely and reiterate my call for an immediate end to the illegal, cowardly, and unjustifiable attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea area. Merchant ships carrying essential supplies and the seafarers on board should be free to navigate worldwide, unhindered by geopolitical tensions," the Secretary-General concluded.