HAMILTON, Canada

The UN on Thursday welcomed reports of rescue operations for the Greek-flagged oil tanker MV Sounion in the Red Sea after Yemen’s Houthi group agreed to allow access to the damaged vessel.

"We are encouraged by reports that the salvage operations for the tanker can proceed with tugboats and rescue ships to access the incident areas," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters during a news conference.

The tanker, which has been anchored in Red Sea waters, had its crew evacuated due to fires reported on board.

Dujarric underscored the seriousness of the situation, noting the "grave risk posed by the fires."

"We commend the ongoing concerted efforts of the international community," he said, emphasizing the work of the UN's Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, in securing immediate access to the vessel to prevent an environmental catastrophe.

Dujarric further stressed the need for full compliance with Security Council resolutions 2722 and 2739, calling on the Houthi group to "immediately cease attacks against all merchant and commercial ships in the Red Sea."

The MV Sounion was attacked last Wednesday with several shells while sailing off the coast of Yemen in the Red Sea, which resulted in engine failure, according to a statement by the European Union’s Red Sea naval mission, Aspides.

Iran’s permanent mission to the UN confirmed Wednesday that the Houthis had agreed to a temporary truce with aims for a third party to send two tugboats to assist with the salvage operation.

The Red Sea is one of the world's most frequently used sea routes for oil and fuel shipments.

The Houthis have been targeting Israeli-linked cargo ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in solidarity with the Gaza Strip, which has been under an Israeli onslaught since Oct. 7 last year.