NYN | News
Reuters reported on Thursday that the operation to tow the Sonion tanker, which was attacked by Sanaa government forces last month, is expected to resume after technical problems faced by private companies and the failure of the European Aspis mission halted the effort.
The agency cited maritime sources saying that “experts will resume this week a risky salvage operation for the Sonion tanker.” The operation is expected to be complicated, given that the vessel is fully loaded and for other technical reasons.
The sources confirmed that two tugboats owned by a Greek salvage company are currently in the area and will begin towing the tanker within the next two days. Another source added: “There is a clear plan in place, and progress is ongoing.”
Reuters mentioned that Greece had requested assistance from Saudi Arabia to carry out the operation. A European Union Aspis mission official noted, “The mission will provide protection for the involved vessels and closely monitor the operation.”
The report added that two frigates, one French and the other Greek, are in the region as part of the Aspis mission to ensure the safety of the operation.
Earlier, the Sanaa government announced that it had allowed the Sonion tanker to be towed to avoid the risk of an oil spill. Despite the fire still burning on the ship since August 21, there has been no oil leakage so far.
In early September, the European Aspis mission announced that private companies had suspended towing efforts due to technical obstacles and were now exploring alternative solutions to resume the operation.
