In a statement issued on Tuesday, Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder confirmed that the vessel, identified as the MV Delta Sounion, was attacked while en route from Iraq to Greece. The tanker had a crew of 23 Filipino and two Russian sailors, all of whom have been safely evacuated. “The Delta Sounion is now stranded in the Red Sea, where it is currently burning and appears to be leaking oil, presenting both a hazard to navigation and a potential environmental disaster,” Ryder stated. He added that an attempt to tow the vessel was abandoned after the Houthis issued further threats of attack.

The Delta Sounion was reportedly targeted by multiple missiles last week near the Yemeni port city of Hodeidah. The Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they are targeting ships working with Israel as a show of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

The Houthi organisation in western Yemen also released a video showing the moment they struck the tanker on Friday, August 23rd. The Greek Ministry of Shipping reported that the vessel was carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, loaded at the Iraqi port of Basra, and was headed for Corinth. The Delta Sounion is now adrift and burning approximately 77 nautical miles off the coast of Yemen.

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