Yemen’s Houthi Rebels Pose Environmental Threat with Red Sea Ship Attack
The sinking of a cargo ship attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea has raised concerns about the environmental impact on the region. The M/V Rubymar, a Belize-flagged vessel carrying 22,000 metric tons of toxic fertilizer, sank after taking on water in the attack. Prior to sinking, the ship had been leaking heavy fuel, resulting in an 18-mile oil slick through the waterway. The unique natural features and usage of the Red Sea make it particularly vulnerable to environmental disasters.
The Red Sea’s circular water patterns, which move northward toward the Suez Canal in Egypt during winter and outward to the Gulf of Aden in summer, aggravate concerns over the Rubymar’s sinking. Ian Ralby, founder of maritime security firm I.R. Consilium, explains that “what spills in the Red Sea, stays in the Red Sea.” This poses a significant risk to Saudi Arabia, which relies on desalination plants for drinking water. Oil can clog intake systems and cause damage to saltwater conversion.
The Red Sea is not only important for its desalination plants but also for its seafood industry. Yemen, in particular, heavily relies on fishing as its second-largest export after oil. The sinking of the Rubymar adds to the challenges faced by Yemen’s already war-torn economy. The potential impact on marine life and coral reefs is also a cause for concern.
While the amount of oil leaked by the Rubymar is unknown, Ralby estimates it to be around 7,000 barrels. Although this is significantly less than the cargo carried by the FSO Safer, an oil tanker that posed a greater threat until its cargo was successfully transferred last year, it is still a substantial amount. The risk posed by the 22,000 metric tons of fertilizer is harder to assess. Fertilizer can fuel the proliferation of harmful algae blooms, leading to the loss of oxygen and the creation of “dead zones.”
The Red Sea is home to some of the world’s most vibrant and extensive coral reefs, which attract tourists and are of great scientific interest due to their resilience to warming seawater temperatures. However, the sinking of the Rubymar raises concerns about the future of these reefs. Ian Ralby warns that this incident could be a precursor to even greater environmental risks. With fewer container ships in the Red Sea shipping lanes due to the Houthi attacks, poorly maintained vessels, oil tankers, and bulk carriers remain, posing a higher risk of environmental disasters.
The sinking of the Rubymar serves as a wake-up call to the potential environmental threats posed by conflicts in the region. The international community must take action to prevent further damage to the Red Sea’s delicate ecosystem. As Ian Ralby emphasizes, “the odds of another spill with massive environmental impact have increased enormously.” It is crucial to address these risks and protect the Red Sea’s natural treasures for future generations.
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