Naval forces in the Red Sea support salvage operation in attempt to prevent ecological catastrophe

Warships of the European Union Operation ASPIDES are closely supporting the challenging salvage of the oil Tanker MV Sunion, still burning weeks after being attacked by the Houthis.

MV Sounion, carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, was first struck by the Houthis on 21st August. Its crew of 25, comprising 23 Filipinos and 2 Russians were rescued the following day by a French destroyer FS Chevalier Paul. During the operation, the Houthis continued to harass ships in the area and the French destroyer neutralised a Houthi one-way attack USV. The rescued mariners were subsequently landed in Djibouti.

The Sunion had been anchored in the Red Sea since 27th August about 72nm west of Hodeidah, Yemen. Although the cargo is unlikely to explode, the fires are fed by the crude oil evaporating and could burn for months if not dealt with quickly. With temperatures over 400ºC recorded on board, there is the likelihood that the heat could weaken the steel structure of the ship and make it vulnerable to breaking up and releasing large amounts of oil into the sea.

The Greek Prime Minister has led the diplomatic effort behind the salvage with European nations, co-ordinating with Saudi Arabia and back-channels to Iran that provide most of the backing to the Houthis. The ‘Houthi Supreme Political Council’ says it will not interfere with the salvage operation having belatedly realised that the potential disaster they are responsible for would devastate their own coastal communities.

As a highly unreliable fanatics, it would be unwise to take the Houthis at their word. Their ISR capabilities have been degraded and while they continue to attack shipping in Red Sea, their ability to discriminate between targets is limited. Close naval escort of the salvage vessel is required.

On 14th September the Greek salvage team managed to successfully secure the tanker to the Greek tug MV Aigaion Pelago (main image above). The tanker is being towed slowly north, most likely to an port in Saudi Arabia.

The US Navy is rather conspicuous by its recent absence since the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower left the Red Sea in June 2024 and Operation PROSPERITY GUARDIAN was effectively reduced. Both the USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups have been poised in the Gulf of Oman as a direct deterrent to Iran becoming further involved in conflict with Israel. However, it appears the Lincoln may now be heading for the Red Sea with destroyers USS Michael Murphy and USS Frank E. Petersen Jr.

There are also no Royal Navy warships in the Red Sea. Despite rumours to the contrary, HMS Duncan has not passed through the Suez Canal and is currently alongside in Limassol. Since she sailed from Gibraltar on 5th June she has provided air defence protection for the USS Wasp Marine Expeditionary Group. She has also exercised readiness to protect Cyprus from possible missile attack by Iranian-backed factions in Lebanon or support potential non-combatant evacuations should the conflict in the region spread further. If the RN was not currently so threadbare it is almost certain that at least one warship would be deployed to the Red Sea, in addition to the Mediterranean presence.

RFA Argus, returning to the UK from the Littoral Response Group (South) deployment in Asia and Australia, has been routed the long way around South Africa and arrived for a port visit in Cape Town this week. It is possible this was already planned but more likely something of an indictment of Western navies’ lack of resources and inability to secure the Red Sea sufficiently to allow the passage of an armed naval auxiliary.

(All images: EUNAVFORASPIDES)