UK Ship Sunk By Houthis "Environmental Catastrophe" For Red Sea, Says Yemen

The sinking of the UK-owned ship Rubymar after a Houthi attack threatens an ecological disaster in the Red Sea according to Yemen's recognized government, citing the vessel's fertilizer cargo as hazardous to marine life.

The Rubymar, targeted by the Iranian-supported Houthi rebels allied with Gaza's Palestinians, could be the first ship lost in these attacks that have disrupted shipping routes since November.

In response, international forces, including the US and UK, have launched retaliatory strikes and increased naval presence to secure this crucial maritime corridor. Meanwhile, Italy reported downing a drone in the region, and the Houthis have blamed underwater cable issues on Western naval activities.

A submerged Rubymar was reported by Yemeni officials on Friday. The US Navy has yet to verify the sinking, while the UK maritime agency noted a ship's sinking without identification. Initially, the US military had observed a sizeable oil slick and disclosed that the vessel was carrying over 41,000 tons of fertilizer.

Yemen's foreign minister, affiliated with the Saudi-backed government, referred to the event as an unprecedented environmental disaster. Since 2014, this government fights the Houthis, fueling the country's humanitarian crisis.

Experts stress the dire consequences for the Red Sea's ecosystem, with possible eutrophication from nutrient overload threatening rich biodiversity, including coral reefs and mangroves.

Calls for a swift clean-up and monitoring strategy are being made. The uncertain impact depends on factors like ocean currents and the release pattern of the fertilizer.

Previously, a UN operation averted a similar crisis by extracting oil from a decaying tanker near Yemen. However, the potential spread of the Israel-Hamas conflict poses additional regional risks. A separate UKMTO report indicated another vessel attack near the port of Mokha, where the crew was evacuated.