Sounion Tanker Damaged by Houthis was Towed Through Suez Canal

Offloading of the 150,000 tons of crude aboard the tanker was completed in December 2024 after nearly a month-long operation managed by Ambrey and Mega Tugs. The tanker run by Greece’s Delta Tankers was northbound in the Red Sea when it was struck in August and disabled. After the crew abandoned the tanker, the Houthis went aboard and set off multiple explosions starting oil fires and destroying the bridge in addition to the previous flooding and damage to the engine room. 

Bridge and control systems were destroyed by the Houthis (SCA)

The transit began Saturday, March 8, and took approximately 24 hours. They initially positioned the dead ship to enter the Suez Canal and then conducted the transit in stages. They paused in Great Bitter Lake while the southbound convoy passed. It continued in stages pausing for crew changes. In total 13 pilots were used to guide the Sounion.

The tow operation reached the northern terminus of the canal on March 10. The Aigaion Pelagos is holding north of the canal with the authority saying it has been told the tow is heading to Greece.