Reuters: Risky Red Sea rescue of tanker Sunion to resume this week

Experts will resume a risky operation this week to salvage the Sunion crude oil tanker, which was attacked by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea last month and is still carrying about 1 million barrels of crude, maritime sources said on Thursday.

The tow of the Greek-registered vessel - which was attacked and caught fire on August 21 - was halted after the companies involved in the project initially deemed it unsafe.

Officials said the towing operation would be particularly sensitive, given the full load and a host of other factors.

Any spill could be the largest of its kind from a ship in recorded history and could cause an environmental disaster in an area where entry is considered particularly dangerous.

The Houthis also detonated explosive devices on the tanker after the attack, causing further fires, and it is unclear whether any explosives are still active.

At least two tugs owned by a Greece-based salvage company are already in the area and will handle the towing operation, one of the sources said.

Another source added, "There is a work plan ready and there is progress, and the withdrawal process is expected to begin within the next two days."

The ship's crew was evacuated, and Greece contacted Saudi Arabia to request assistance.

The Iran-backed Houthi group said it would allow rescue teams to tow the ship to safety.

An official in the European Union's naval mission in the Red Sea, Aspedes, confirmed on Thursday that the mission will protect the ships participating in the towing operation and monitor the entire process.

"A French frigate and a Greek frigate taking part in the Aspedes manoeuvre were already in the area," one of the sources said.

Source: Reuters