In a recent incident that has raised concerns about environmental damage, a British-registered cargo ship, the Rubymar, has sunk in the Gulf of Aden, two weeks after being targeted by Houthi rebels from Yemen. The vessel had been drifting and taking on water before finally succumbing to the depths of the sea, according to statements from Yemen’s government.
This marks the first instance of a ship being deliberately sunk by Houthi rebels since they began targeting vessels in the Red Sea. The Rubymar, which was reportedly carrying fertilizers, faced an uncertain fate after being hit by two missiles fired by the Iran-backed rebels while traversing the Gulf of Aden near the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
British authorities had previously confirmed that the vessel was taking in water and had successfully rescued all 24 crew members. However, efforts to salvage the ship proved futile, with the vessel ultimately sinking, leaving behind concerns of a potential environmental catastrophe.
The Rubymar, measuring 172 meters in length, was flagged in Belize and operated by a Lebanese firm, with its registered owner based in the British port of Southampton. The cargo of ammonium nitrate fertilizer onboard poses a significant risk to marine ecosystems, according to experts.
Yemen’s Prime Minister, Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak, described the sinking of the Rubymar as an “unprecedented environmental disaster.” Organizations like Greenpeace warned of the potential impacts of a spill of ammonium nitrate, which could devastate marine life in the region, including coral reefs and coastal mangroves.
The University of Jordan’s Marine Science department highlighted the dangers of excessive algae growth resulting from the release of large amounts of fertilizer into the sea, emphasizing the urgent need for a cleanup strategy.
In a provocative statement, a Houthi leader, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, criticized the British government for not aiding Gaza and linked the sinking of the Rubymar to the conflict in the region. The Houthi rebels have been targeting ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden in support of Palestinians in Gaza, leading to tensions with international actors such as the US and UK.
In response to the escalating conflict, the US and UK have conducted airstrikes on Houthi targets within Yemen. Recent reports indicate continued attacks on merchant vessels in the region, prompting concerns among shipping companies and naval coalitions. Despite efforts to deter Houthi aggression, the rebels remain steadfast in their objectives until Israel ceases its military campaign in Gaza.