Rubymar Cargo Ship Sinks in Red Sea, Causing Environmental Concerns
In a devastating turn of events, the Rubymar cargo ship, a Belize-flagged vessel owned by a British company, has sunk in the Red Sea. The ship was severely damaged in a Houthi attack back in February and has now almost completely submerged, causing an oil slick and raising serious concerns about the environmental impact on the surrounding waters and coral reefs.
The Rubymar was hit by anti-ship ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on February 18 while it was passing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Fortunately, the crew managed to evacuate the ship safely when the attack began. The Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that they will target any ships linked to Israel, the United States, or the United Kingdom in an effort to pressure them to end Israel’s war on Gaza.
The sinking of the Rubymar marks the first instance of a vessel being sunk in the Red Sea since the Houthis began targeting commercial ships in November. Satellite images have revealed that the ship has been leaking oil into the sea for weeks, ever since its engine room was damaged in the assault. This ongoing leakage poses a significant threat to marine life due to the toxic nature of oil. Moreover, oil spills can render seafood unsafe for consumption.
Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to oil spills, as they can impede coral reproduction, growth, behavior, and development. The United Nations Environment Programme has highlighted the detrimental effects of oil spills on coral reefs. Additionally, it is believed that the Rubymar was carrying over 41,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate fertilizer. While there is no confirmation of whether this cargo is leaking into the sea, if it does mix with the water in the Red Sea, it could disrupt the marine ecosystem’s balance and impact multiple food chains.
Excess amounts of fertilizer in the water can lead to ammonia toxicity and fish mortality. This, in turn, would result in low catch rates for Yemeni fishermen, who have already suffered due to the ongoing war in the country. The disruption of marine ecosystems can have far-reaching consequences, affecting various species and potentially jeopardizing the livelihoods of coastal communities.
The sinking of the Rubymar has been deemed an unprecedented environmental disaster by Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak, the prime minister of Yemen’s internationally recognized government. Bin Mubarak, a long-standing adversary of the Houthis, expressed his concerns over the severe ecological consequences of this incident.
Efforts to salvage the Rubymar are still possible as a small portion of the ship remains visible above the water’s surface. However, time is of the essence, as any delay increases the risk to both the environment and potential rescue operations. Urgent action is required, with an expert team needed on-site to assess the extent of the damage and formulate a rescue strategy.
In a surprising twist, Houthi revolutionary committee leader Mohammed Ali al-Houthi suggested that further damage could be prevented if UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government act swiftly to allow aid into Gaza. Al-Houthi claimed that they are responsible for the Rubymar attack due to their support for the war on Gaza. While it remains unclear whether this means the Houthis would allow a salvage operation in the area, it highlights the complex political dynamics surrounding this incident.
Apart from the immediate concerns raised by the sinking of the Rubymar, it is essential to acknowledge the broader threats faced by the Red Sea. While coral reefs worldwide have suffered due to global warming, those in the Red Sea have shown resilience. However, overtourism and potential oil spills continue to pose significant risks to these precious ecosystems.
As efforts continue to address the environmental impact of the Rubymar sinking, it is crucial to recognize the urgency of the situation and the need for international cooperation. The Red Sea’s delicate balance hangs in the balance, and swift action is required to mitigate further damage and protect its diverse marine life.