French Navy Destroys Surface Drone, Rescues Crew from Attacked Tanker in Red Sea

In a daring operation, a French Navy Horizon type air defense destroyer successfully intercepted a menacing Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) that was attempting to attack a tanker in the Red Sea. The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 21, 2024, off the coast of Yemen when the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Sounion, owned by a Greek shipowner, faced two separate boat attacks. The vessel sustained significant damage, including a major fire in the engine room and faced engine and electrical failures, rendering it adrift near the Yemeni coast.

Following the attacks, the French Joint Forces Command in the Indian Ocean (ALINDIEN) swiftly responded to the distress call. On Wednesday, August 22, 2024, a French destroyer was dispatched under the European Union's ASPIDES operation, in coordination with French forces stationed in the United Arab Emirates, to assist the Sounion. As the French destroyer arrived at the scene, it detected a new attack on the tanker, this time by a naval drone (USV).

The French Navy warship promptly neutralized the explosives-laden drone, successfully thwarting the attack and preventing any further harm to the damaged tanker. With the imminent threat eliminated, the crew of 29 was safely evacuated from the Sounion. The tanker is now securely anchored in international waters, away from immediate danger.

This rescue mission highlights France's unwavering commitment to upholding international law, ensuring maritime safety, and safeguarding freedom of navigation. The French Navy maintains a constant presence in the Indian Ocean, particularly in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, to protect vital trade routes extending from the Suez Canal to the Strait of Hormuz.

The MV Sounion, which had not requested protection from the European Union's ASPIDES operation, was targeted in the South Red Sea area and suffered a complete loss of engine power on August 21. Following the distress call from the tanker's master, the ASPIDES operation swiftly organized the deployment of the French naval vessel to rescue the crew.

This successful operation serves as a testament to the effectiveness of international maritime cooperation in countering threats to commercial vessels and ensuring the safety of seafarers. It also underscores the importance of continued vigilance in the face of emerging unmanned technologies that may pose potential threats to maritime security.

As investigations continue into the boat attacks and the attempt to target the tanker with a surface drone, authorities are determined to identify and apprehend those responsible for these acts of aggression. The incident reinforces the need for enhanced collaboration among nations to combat maritime piracy, security breaches, and other illicit activities at sea.

The French Navy's swift response and courageous actions in neutralizing the surface drone and rescuing the crew of the Sounion have undoubtedly averted a potential catastrophe and demonstrated France's strong commitment to ensuring the safety and security of maritime activities in the region.