Successful salvage of MT SOUNION by Ambrey after Houthi attack

SANAA : Ambrey, a leader in maritime security and salvage operations, confirmed the successful recovery of the Greek-owned oil tanker MT SOUNION after a severe Houthi militant attack in the southern Red Sea on August 21, 2024. The tanker, fully laden with oil, was rendered inoperable when anti-ship missiles knocked out its control systems, causing it to lose propulsion.

Following a distress signal from the vessel’s captain, the European Naval Force’s Operation “ASPIDES” quickly responded, deploying a French frigate that facilitated the safe evacuation of all 29 crew members despite ongoing threats from unmanned vehicles. Shortly after, the Houthis boarded the vessel, setting charges that triggered extensive fires and structural damage, exacerbating the risk of a catastrophic oil spill.

The situation escalated with the US State Department warning of an environmental disaster potentially four times larger than the Exxon Valdez spill. To manage the crisis, a complex international salvage operation, led by Ambrey, was mobilized. This included diplomatic interventions to expedite the dispatch of specialist tugs from Greece and essential firefighting equipment from multiple countries.

Salvage efforts began only after explosive ordnance disposal experts cleared the SOUNION of any hazards. The operation faced significant challenges due to the limited availability of appropriate resources in the region and the ongoing conflict, necessitating operations predominantly at night to combat intense heat and humidity.

By mid-September, a coordinated effort involving a flotilla of seven salvage vessels, supported by three EUNAVFOR naval assets and air cover, successfully towed the SOUNION to a secure location. Over the following three weeks, the team managed to extinguish the fires, secure the cargo tanks, and stabilize the vessel.

In early October, the MT SOUNION was towed to Suez, where her cargo was safely offloaded. Christopher Crookall, CEO of Ambrey, expressed profound gratitude to the military, civilian partners, and specialists who played a pivotal role in averting an environmental disaster and ensuring the safe resolution of this complex situation.

Ambrey continues to stand at the forefront of maritime security and emergency response, offering extensive services in security, intelligence, insurance, and risk management to ensure the safety of maritime assets globally.