Djibouti(Mogadishu24)-The Ports and Free Zones Authority successfully coordinated a salvage operation for the Greek-flagged tanker “Sounion” after it was attacked late Thursday night near Hodeidah, Yemen.

The ship was struck by three unidentified projectiles, leaving it incapacitated and unable to maneuver. The French frigate Chevalier Paul led the salvage operation, ensuring the safety of the tanker and its crew.

The Sounion, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, now poses a significant environmental threat to the marine life and ecosystem of the southern Red Sea. Authorities are concerned that a potential oil spill could have catastrophic consequences for the region.

The Ports and Free Zones Authority has urgently called for intervention by the Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA) to mitigate the environmental impact of the attack.

The 29 crew members, including sailors from Russia, the Philippines, India, and Nepal, were safely evacuated and received by authorities at the Djibouti port. The incident underscores the growing security threats in the Red Sea, particularly along the Djibouti and Yemen maritime routes. This follows a similar incident earlier this month when Djibouti responded to a ship attack and fire at its main port.