Last week, the British freighter Rubymar was hit by a missile by Houthi rebels. It leaked and filled with water and is now sinking in the Red Sea. An environmental disaster is looming.
The Rubymar, which sails under the flag of Belize, has 40,000 tons of fertilizer on board. On Saturday, the US military noticed an oil slick stretching almost 30 kilometers behind the ship and published corresponding satellite images. Now it warned of an environmental disaster in the region if the fertilizer also leaked from the cargo ship.
Towing negotiations
The ship’s owner, British shipping company Blue Fleet Group, told Sky News that the US Navy had offered to tow the Rubymar. Negotiations for the rescue are still ongoing. In addition, checks are being carried out to close the leak on board the ship. According to media reports, the engine room of the deep-sea freighter has already filled with water.
In response to Houthi attacks on the Red Sea shipping lanes, the British and American militaries have launched waves of attacks on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen in recent weeks. Last week, the EU also launched its military operation against the Houthi attacks.
Ship bound for Iran was also attacked
Since November, the rebels have repeatedly attacked ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. The Houthi militia says it is acting because of Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. However, the country has regularly attacked ships with little or no ties to Israel, endangering shipping on a key trade route between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. The ships attacked included at least one ship carrying cargo for Iran, the Houthis’ main backer.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
