A cargo ship recently sank in the Red Sea following being targeted by Houthi militants. The attack resulted in the ship carrying around 21,000 metric tons of fertilizer going down, posing a significant environmental risk to one of the busiest waterways in the world and the home of many coral reefs.
According to U.S. Central Command, the Rubymar, which was struck by an anti-ballistic missile fired by Iranian-backed Houthis on February 18, had been gradually taking on water since the attack and finally sank on Saturday. The sinking of the ship not only presents an environmental risk to the Red Sea but also poses a subsurface impact risk to other ships that transit the busy shipping lanes in the area.
The Yemeni government has expressed concerns regarding the environmental disaster that might result from the ship’s sinking. The vessel was carrying ammonium phosphate sulfate fertilizer, which is classified as “very dangerous” by the Djibouti Ports and Free Zones Authority. There are fears that if the hull of the ship breaches, the fertilizer might be released into the Red Sea, disrupting the balance of marine ecosystems and impacting various species that depend on these ecosystems. This might have far-reaching consequences, potentially affecting the livelihoods of coastal communities.
The attack on the Rubymar marks the first time a vessel has been completely taken out by a Houthi strike. For months, the Houthis have been using missiles and drones to target commercial and naval vessels in protest of Israel’s war in Gaza. They consider ships linked to Israel or heading to its ports as legitimate targets.
The implications of the Rubymar sinking go beyond the immediate environmental concerns. Many large ships, which account for regarding 12 percent of all world trade, have altered their routes to avoid the Red Sea due to the Houthi threat. This results in longer transit times and delays in delivering goods, further disrupting international commerce. Considering the ongoing effects of the pandemic, rising inflation, and disruptions caused by conflicts like Russia’s war in Ukraine, the impact of detouring around the Red Sea adds to the challenges faced by the shipping industry.
Looking ahead, it is essential to address the security threats posed by groups like the Houthis and find ways to ensure the safety of commercial shipping. International cooperation is crucial in combating these threats and protecting vital trade routes. Additionally, steps must be taken to mitigate the potential environmental risks associated with such incidents. Emergency response teams should be given immediate access to sites where environmental disasters may occur, enabling them to take prompt action and minimize the damage.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and reliant on global trade, it is vital to anticipate and address potential future challenges. The Rubymar incident serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in maritime security measures and sustainable practices. By doing so, we can safeguard the environment, preserve marine ecosystems, and ensure the smooth functioning of international trade.
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