Houthi Attacks in Red Sea Raise Environmental and Economic Concerns
In a recent incident reported by Reuters, the Liberia-flagged oil tanker Chios Lion was assessing damage and investigating a potential oil spill after being attacked by Yemen’s Houthis in the Red Sea. The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) detailed the event, stating that the Chios Lion suffered minor damage to its port side on Monday from an unmanned watercraft. This attack was part of a series of assaults on the Chios Lion and another vessel, Bentley I, approximately 100 nautical miles northwest of Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah.
The attack forced the Chios Lion to alter its course. “While originally headed south, following the attack the vessel turned around and back north out of the threat area to further assess damage and investigate potential oil spillage,” the JMIC said in a statement, adding that the crew, including the captain, were safe. The manager of Chios Lion had not responded to requests for comments at the time of reporting.
The Houthis claimed responsibility for these attacks, citing them as retaliation for a deadly Israeli airstrike on Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip last Saturday. Their coordinated assault involved ballistic missiles, drones, and booby-trapped boats targeting the two vessels.
Since November, the frequency and intensity of Houthi attacks have had significant economic repercussions, compelling ship owners to bypass the Suez Canal and opt for the longer, more costly route around Africa. This alteration in maritime routes not only impacts global trade but also heightens environmental risks. Potential oil spills resulting from attacks pose a severe threat to marine ecosystems, as do the leaking of other hazardous cargoes like fertilizers, and the fuel used by the vessels themselves.
These ongoing threats underscore the precarious balance between global trade routes and regional conflicts, highlighting the need for enhanced maritime security to protect both economic interests and the environment.
(Reuters )
