Red Sea Tensions Escalate: French Destroyer Rescues Greek Tanker Crew Amid Ongoing Houthi Attacks

Recent events in the Red Sea have once again highlighted the escalating maritime security challenges in one of the world's most crucial shipping lanes. As a former Estonian Navy servicemember with extensive experience in maritime security companies, I can attest to the complexity and gravity of the situation unfolding in this volatile region.

On 22.08.2024, a French destroyer successfully rescued the 29-member crew of the Greek oil tanker Sounion, following a series of attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threats faced by commercial vessels traversing these waters.

The Sounion, a massive vessel carrying 150,000 tons of crude oil, reportedly lost power and caught fire approximately 80 miles west of the Yemeni port of Hodeida. The French military's swift action not only saved the crew but also neutralized an immediate threat by destroying a naval drone loaded with explosives in the vicinity.

European naval forces coordinating Operation Aspides in the Red Sea have confirmed that the Sounion is now anchored and no longer adrift. However, uncertainty remains regarding the status of the fire onboard. Delta Tankers, the ship's owner, has expressed hope for the vessel to be towed to safety. Alarmingly, this marks the third Delta Tankers vessel to come under fire in the Red Sea within just one month, underscoring the heightened risks faced by shipping companies operating in the region.

The attack on the Sounion is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of aggression. Iran-backed Yemeni Houthis have recently been implicated in several other attacks, including an assault on another vessel in the Red Sea, the alleged downing of a US drone over Saada province, and a missile strike on the Liberian-flagged container ship Groton in the Gulf of Aden.

As someone who has served in the Estonian Navy and worked extensively with maritime security firms, I can affirm that these attacks represent a significant escalation in the region's security landscape. The tactics employed by the Houthi rebels, including the use of naval drones and missiles, pose complex challenges that require sophisticated countermeasures and international cooperation.

The Houthi campaign against shipping in the Red Sea began in November 2023, ostensibly in solidarity with Palestine. However, my experience in analyzing maritime threats suggests that the choice of targets often seems indiscriminate, affecting vessels with no direct connection to the ongoing conflict. This indiscriminate nature of the attacks amplifies the risk for all commercial shipping in the area.

The impact of these attacks on global trade cannot be overstated. Reports indicate that ship movement through this vital corridor has been halved, a situation that resonates with my time overseeing security operations for commercial vessels. Such disruptions can have far-reaching consequences for global supply chains and economies worldwide.

In response to these escalating threats, the European Union launched Operation Aspides in February 2024. This mission, led by Greece, aims to protect maritime security and civilian shipping in the region. Having participated in similar multinational operations during my naval service, I can appreciate the complexities involved in coordinating such efforts.

Operation Aspides involves contributions from several European countries, including Estonia, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Germany. The operation's mandate includes escorting ships, protecting vessels from attacks, and improving maritime situational awareness in an area spanning from the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf and part of the northwestern Indian Ocean.

The defensive nature of Operation Aspides aligns with international law and the right to self-defense as recognized by UN Resolution 2722. Drawing from my experience in both naval and private sector maritime security operations, I can affirm the importance of maintaining a defensive posture while ensuring the ability to respond effectively to threats.

The operation is currently slated to continue until spring 2025, with the possibility of extended or increased support from participating nations. This timeframe reflects the long-term commitment required to address the complex security challenges in the region.

As tensions persist in this strategically important waterway, the international community faces the ongoing challenge of ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels while navigating the complex geopolitical dynamics of the region. The situation in the Red Sea serves as a reminder of the critical role played by naval forces and maritime security professionals in safeguarding global trade routes.

In my years of service and subsequent work with maritime security firms, I've witnessed firsthand the evolving nature of threats at sea. The current situation in the Red Sea represents a convergence of traditional piracy concerns with the added complexity of state-backed militant groups employing advanced weaponry.

Looking ahead, it's clear that addressing these challenges will require sustained international cooperation, innovative security strategies, and a commitment to upholding the principles of free and safe navigation. As someone who has dedicated a significant portion of my career to maritime security, I believe that sharing experiences and expertise across nations and sectors will be crucial in developing effective long-term solutions to protect vital shipping lanes like the Red Sea.

Alex Klisevits

CEO & Tactical Team Leader at Iron Navy

Maritime Security Specialist