Oil slick approaches Egyptian coast as Houthi attack on tanker spreads VIDEO

An oil slick stemming from an attack by Houthis on the tanker Chios Lion in the Red Sea has expanded to a diameter of 40 kilometres and is nearing the Egyptian coast.

This is evidenced by the results of satellite imagery, Caliber.Az reports via Israeli media.

The tanker, flying Liberia's flag, was en route to China carrying Russian oil when it was targeted by Houthis, who alleged it had breached their blockade intended for Israel. The attack involved unmanned boats and aircraft.

Yemenli Husiler, 15 Temmuz 2024’te Kamikaze İnsansız Deniz Aracı ile hedef aldığı Chios Lion Tanker Gemisi’ne ilişkin görüntüleri paylaştı! pic.twitter.com/RCXaldNy8U

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) July 16, 2024

Houthi rebels have launched dozens of attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November - shortly after the Israel-Gaza war began.

The Houthis consider Israel an enemy, and initially said they were attacking ships connected with Israel, or heading to or from there.

However, many of the vessels have had no connection with Israel.

More recently, the Houthis have targeted ships tied to owners or operators in the UK or US, after those nations launched strikes on Houthi positions.

Major shipping companies have stopped using the Red Sea - through which almost 15% of global seaborne trade usually passes - and are using a much longer route around southern Africa instead.