The MV Rubymar, a UK-owned cargo ship, has sunk in the southern Red Sea, raising concerns about a potential environmental catastrophe. The incident comes just over two weeks after the vessel was targeted by Houthi rebels in an attack that caused significant damage and an oil spill.
Yemen's internationally recognized government confirmed the sinking on Saturday, March 2nd, attributing it to a combination of the earlier attack and worsening weather conditions. The Rubymar had been left adrift since the February 18th attack, with initial efforts to tow it to a safe port ultimately unsuccessful.
Fears surrounding the environmental impact stem from the ship's cargo of over 41,000 tonnes of fertilizer. Experts warn that if the fertilizer dissolves in the water, it could trigger harmful algal blooms and disrupt the delicate ecosystem of the Red Sea, a vital habitat for marine life.
Yemeni Prime Minister Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak described the sinking as "an environmental catastrophe that Yemen and the region have never experienced before." He called for international cooperation to mitigate the potential damage and prevent further ecological harm.
The Houthi attack on the Rubymar was part of a series of strikes launched against international commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab Al Mandeb strait, a strategic waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis, linked to Iran, justified the attacks as retaliation for Israeli actions against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The attacks have had a significant impact on maritime traffic in the region, with shipping firms opting for longer, more expensive routes around Africa to avoid the potential dangers of the Red Sea. The United States and Britain have also launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in response to the attacks.
The sinking of the Rubymar underscores the escalating tensions in the region and the potential for further instability and environmental damage. International efforts are now focused on addressing the immediate environmental concerns surrounding the sunken cargo and preventing similar incidents in the future.