UK-Owned Cargo Ship Rubymar Sinks in Red Sea After Houthi Attack
In a devastating turn of events, the UK-owned cargo ship Rubymar has sunk in the Red Sea after being targeted by Houthi rebels. The vessel, which was struck with multiple missiles on February 18, had been abandoned in the southern Red Sea. Yemen’s internationally recognized government confirmed the sinking, citing weather factors and strong winds as contributing factors.
The sinking of the Rubymar marks a significant escalation in the Houthi attacks on commercial shipping. The Belize-flagged cargo ship, owned by the United Kingdom, was transporting combustible fertilizers when it was hit by missiles while sailing through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. The crew members were forced to abandon the vessel and seek safety elsewhere.
The Houthis, who claim responsibility for the attack, have been targeting ships linked to Israel, the United States, and the UK in an attempt to pressure them to end Israel’s war on Gaza. This latest incident underscores their determination to disrupt international trade and exert influence over the region.
The sinking of the Rubymar raises concerns about potential environmental consequences. Yemen’s government has warned of an “environmental catastrophe” as the ship carried over 41,000 tonnes of fertilizer. The US military’s Central Command had previously reported significant damage to the freighter and an 18-mile oil slick resulting from the attack.
The Houthi attacks on shipping vessels have already disrupted international trade along the shortest route between Europe and Asia. Rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa can add up to two weeks to a shipment’s journey and thousands of extra nautical miles. This not only impacts shipping costs but also raises concerns about the stability of the wider Middle East region.
In response to these attacks, the US and UK have launched strikes against targets in Yemen since January. The US has also designated the Houthis as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity. The tit-for-tat attacks and counter-attacks have heightened fears that Israel’s war on Gaza could escalate and further destabilize the already volatile Middle East.
The sinking of the Rubymar serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions in the region and the far-reaching consequences of these attacks. As international trade routes are disrupted and environmental risks loom, it is crucial for global powers to find a resolution to the underlying conflicts. Failure to do so could have dire consequences for the stability and prosperity of the entire Middle East.
