Salvage Crews Scrap 1st Attempt to Recover Oil Tanker Damaged in Houthi Attack

Salvage teams have given up on an initial effort to recover the oil tanker MV Sounion, which was abandoned after an attack by Houthi rebel forces in Yemen.
A European Union coalition of naval forces, known as Operation Aspides, had partnered with private salvage crews in an initial effort to remove the damaged Sounion from the Red Sea. Now, the organizers of the recovery effort are considering a different approach.
“The private companies responsible for the salvage operation have concluded that the conditions were not met to conduct the towing operation and that it was not safe to proceed,” Operation Aspides leaders announced in a Sept. 3 statement. “Alternative solutions are now being explored by the private companies.”
The EU naval coalition said it would remain focused on its broader mission to ensure freedom of navigation and protect vessels transiting the Red Sea shipping lanes.
Operation Aspides officials did not specify what challenges hindered the recovery of the damaged oil tanker.
The Epoch Times reached out to the EU-led naval coalition for more details but did not receive a response by publication time.
Salvage crews may also be reluctant to venture within range of Houthi missiles and drones.
Brig. Gen. Yahya Sare’e, a Houthi military spokesman, claimed responsibility for the group’s attack on the Blue Lagoon I in a Sept. 2 statement. The Houthi representative did not address the reported attack on the Amjad.