Yemen’s Houthi militants mentioned they’ll let tugboats tow away an oil tanker that they attacked final week within the Crimson Sea, a step which may assist avert an environmental catastrophe.
The 900-foot Sounion was hauling 150,000 tons of dense Iraqi crude oil when it was struck. The vessel’s crew was rescued by the French navy however the Pentagon mentioned this week that it was leaking.
The US mentioned two tugs have been despatched towards the tanker in latest days however have been warned away the by rebels, who’ve been attacking service provider vessels within the area for months in protest at Israel’s actions in Gaza.
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Late Wednesday, a spokesman for the group mentioned it could allow tugs to “drag” the Sounion away. Salvage operations might be advanced and it stays to be seen whether or not towing the vessel elsewhere might be seen as one of the best first step if it does have a leak.
The choice got here after the Houthis have been approached by some worldwide events, primarily European ones, the spokesman mentioned on the group’s Al-Masirah TV.
The Houthis say they’re concentrating on Israeli-, US- and UK-linked ships in solidarity with Hamas as its battle towards Israel in Gaza continues.
The European Union’s naval power mentioned this week that the tanker wasn’t leaking and likewise contradicted the UK navy which had mentioned it was drifting.
Iran, which backs the Houthis, additionally mentioned in a single day the group is ready to let salvors strategy the Sounion in security.
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