Stunning Photos: MT Sounion Navigates the Suez Canal Just Six Months Post-Houthi Attack!

### Triumphant Transit of MT Sounion Through Suez Canal After Red Sea Attack

The Greek-registered oil tanker, MT Sounion, has triumphantly navigated through Egypt’s Suez Canal following a challenging salvage mission in the red Sea, where it faced an assault from Houthi militants last year.

#### Attack and Immediate Response

On august 21, 2024, the vessel was struck by anti-ship missiles launched by Houthi forces while carrying around 1 million barrels of crude oil. The attack severely compromised its control systems. Fortunately, a French naval frigate was able to evacuate all 29 crew members without incident.

However, the situation escalated two days later when houthi militants boarded the ship and detonated explosives on its main decks and bridge. This act ignited multiple fires onboard and significantly weakened the structural integrity of the tanker.

#### Averting Environmental Catastrophe in the Red Sea

As flames engulfed the vessel, warnings from the U.S. State Department indicated that an oil spill could potentially exceed four times that of the infamous Exxon Valdez disaster. This alarming prospect triggered a swift international response aimed at preventing an environmental crisis.

the location of MT Sounion posed unique challenges for salvage operations due to its proximity to hostile forces. Teams specializing in explosive ordnance disposal were deployed to neutralize unexploded devices before any recovery efforts could begin. experts from various countries were mobilized quickly; firefighting equipment and towing vessels were transported under expedited diplomatic arrangements.This extensive operation required advanced tugboats from Greece along with a fleet of support vessels protected by European Union naval assets.#### successful Salvage Operation

By mid-September, with assistance from three EUNAVFOR naval units and aerial support, salvage teams successfully maneuvered MT Sounion to a secure area located 150 miles north for continued firefighting efforts.

over three weeks following this relocation on September 14th—documented by EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES—the fires were extinguished; cargo tanks were repaired and inerted; ultimately stabilizing the vessel. By early October, it was safely escorted to suez where its cargo was offloaded without further incident.

In totality, this complex operation involved over 200 professionals across various organizations including Megatugs Salvage & Towage, Diaplous Maritime Services Ltd., Offmain Marine Services Ltd., Fire Aid International Inc., Pro Liquid solutions LLC.,and Ambipar Response Group.

#### Smooth Passage Through The Suez Canal

On March 10th, 2025—after being successfully salvaged—the Greek-flagged MT Sounion was assisted through Egypt’s vital waterway with tugboats guiding it along its route in Ismailia as part of its recovery journey post-Houthi attack.