Yemen’s Water and Environment Minister Tawfeeq Al-Sharjabi has reassured the public that there are no signs of pollution stemming from a sunken ship filled with fertilizer and gasoline in the Red Sea. Despite the vessel remaining an environmental concern, no leakage has been detected thus far. Al-Sharjabi has called for international assistance in recovering the ship, which was targeted by Yemen’s Houthi militia in February.
The MV Rubymar, carrying 22,000 tonnes of fertilizer and over 200 tonnes of fuel, was severely damaged by Houthi missiles, leading to its eventual sinking. The incident raised fears of potential pollution and explosions due to the ship’s cargo. However, a UN team that assessed the situation in March deemed the recovery operation too costly and technically challenging, recommending that the ship be left to sink.
According to a Yemeni government official, the UN experts advised continuous monitoring of the sunken ship and the surrounding coastline to detect any signs of pollution. They expressed hope that any potential leakage would occur gradually, allowing the fertilizer to disintegrate harmlessly. However, concerns remain about the possibility of a sudden and significant leak if the ship’s condition deteriorates further.
In a separate development, the US Central Command reported shooting down a drone launched by the Houthis over the Gulf of Aden. The Houthis have been implicated in recent drone and missile attacks in the region, prompting heightened security measures by the US-led maritime coalition. The EU mission in the Red Sea also announced the addition of a Dutch warship to its fleet to protect commercial vessels from Houthi threats.
The swift response from the Netherlands was praised by the EU mission, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding maritime security in the region. The presence of additional naval assets is expected to enhance the protection of commercial ships against potential Houthi attacks.
As the situation in the Red Sea continues to evolve, the focus remains on preventing environmental damage from the sunken ship and deterring further hostile actions by the Houthi militia. The collaborative efforts of Yemeni authorities, UN experts, and international partners are crucial in addressing the challenges posed by the sunken vessel and ensuring the safety of maritime activities in the region.