On a seemingly ordinary day in the Red Sea, the maritime community faced an alarming incident that could have far-reaching environmental repercussions. The cargo ship Rubymar, while en route to Bulgaria with a significant load of 22,000 metric tons of fertilizer, fell victim to a missile strike by the Houthi group on February 18. This attack not only compromised the vessel’s integrity but also led to the creation of an 18-mile oil slick, signaling the onset of potential ecological turmoil.
In the days following the strike, the situation aboard the Rubymar grew increasingly dire. Efforts to salvage the ship were hampered the dangers of operating within an active war zone. Ultimately, the Rubymar succumbed to its damages and sank into the Red Sea on a Saturday, amplifying concerns about the environmental impact.
The cargo of approximately 21,000 metric tons of ammonium phosphate sulfate fertilizer, now submerged, poses a significant threat to the marine ecosystem of the Red Sea. The U.S. Central Command (CentCom) has highlighted the dual risk presented by the sinking: the potential for environmental damage due to the fertilizer and the hazard it poses to other vessels navigating these crucial shipping lanes.
Sinking of Motor Vessel⁰Rubymar Risks Environmental⁰Damage
On Mar. 2 at approximately 2:15 a.m., MV Rubymar, a Belize-flagged, UK-owned bulk carrier, sank in the Red Sea after being struck by an Iranian-backed Houthi terrorist anti-ship ballistic missile on Feb. 18.
The ship… pic.twitter.com/fRUM4ll4cY
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 3, 2024
The Yemeni government has echoed these concerns, labeling the incident as a precursor to an environmental disaster. This sentiment underscores the gravity of the situation, as the repercussions of the sinking extend beyond immediate maritime safety to encompass long-term ecological implications.
Despite several airstrikes the Biden administration has yet to get control of the shipping lane.
“Yemen will continue to sink more British ships, and any repercussions or other damages will be added to Britain’s bill,” Hussein al-Ezzias, the Houthi’s deputy foreign minister, said in a post on X, according to translations. “It is a rogue state that attacks Yemen and partners with America in sponsoring the ongoing crime against civilians in Gaza.”
