- A British cargo ship, the Rubymar, succumbed to a Houthi missile attack in the Red Sea, sinking with approximately 21,000 metric tons of fertilizer on board.
- The sinking poses a severe environmental threat to the bustling waterway, known for its coral reefs and vital trade routes.
- The incident follows previous Houthi assaults in the region, raising concerns about the ecological impact and disrupting maritime activities.
Houthi Attack and Environmental Risk
The Rubymar, targeted by Houthi militants on Feb. 18 with an anti-ballistic missile, sank over the weekend after gradually taking on water. The cargo vessel carried a substantial load of ammonium phosphate sulfate fertilizer, presenting both immediate and potential long-term environmental hazards in the Red Sea. The ship’s sinking not only heightens the risk of an environmental disaster but also poses a subsurface threat to other vessels navigating the busy shipping lanes in the area.
Yemeni Government’s Warning and Ongoing Challenges
The Yemeni government has characterized the ship’s sinking as an impending environmental disaster, underlining the gravity of the situation. This incident follows a recent Houthi attack that resulted in an 18-mile oil slick and forced the crew to abandon the vessel. The Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority, involved in the rescue efforts, has classified the fertilizer onboard as “very dangerous.” The recurring nature of Houthi assaults in the Red Sea underscores ongoing challenges and the need for a comprehensive response strategy.
Global Impact and Calls for Immediate Action
Experts, including Julien Jreissati from Greenpeace, emphasize the urgent need for emergency response teams to assess and mitigate the fallout from the Rubymar’s sinking. The potential leakage of fuel oil and the release of fertilizer into the Red Sea could disrupt marine ecosystems, affecting various species and jeopardizing the livelihoods of coastal communities. As global shipping faces disruptions due to altered routes and increased threats, the incident raises broader concerns about the environmental consequences and the resilience of maritime operations in the region.
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Source: Washington Post
