The Greek-flagged oil tanker Sounion caught fire after the attack and then drifted aimlessly since it was no longer possible to maneuver it. The crew was rescued by a French military vessel, but attempts to salvage the wreck have failed due to threats of new attacks from the Houthi movement.
According to the US Department of Defense, the Pentagon, the ship is still on fire - a week after the attack. Moreover, it may leak oil.
The ship has 150,000 tons of crude oil in its cargo and a spill could potentially be one of the largest from a ship in modern history. According to Patrick Ryder, spokesperson for the Pentagon, the US is working together with allies in the region to try to mitigate any potential environmental impact.
The Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen has carried out many similar attacks in the important trade route since the Gaza War began, but the attack on Sounion is described as the most serious in several weeks.
