Following the initial gunfire, the tanker was struck by three unidentified projectiles, leading to a fire onboard and causing the ship to lose engine power. Fortunately, all 25 crew members are safe.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, which Greece's maritime minister condemned as a violation of international law. However, the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen has been known to target commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, citing support for Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Houthis often claim, though not always accurately, that they target vessels associated with Israel, the U.S., or the U.K.
Despite the presence of Western naval forces and airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas, the group continues its attacks. Last month, Israel bombed Hudaydah's port in retaliation for a drone strike on Tel Aviv.
The Sounion, a large "Suezmax" tanker, was transporting crude oil from Iraq’s Basra port at the time. Its operator, Delta Tankers, reported minor damage and stated that the crew was assessing the situation.
On the same day, another incident occurred involving the Panama-flagged cargo ship SW North Wind I, which reported three explosions in the water nearby while sailing through the Gulf of Aden. The crew remained unharmed, and the vessel continued its voyage.
This incident follows a similar attack in June when a Greek-owned cargo ship was sunk by a Houthi sea drone in the Red Sea, resulting in one crew member's death.
