The United States military has issued a stark warning about a potential environmental catastrophe after a cargo ship, targeted by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, caused an oil slick in the Red Sea. The attack, which occurred on February 18, targeted the United Kingdom-owned, Belize-flagged bulk carrier Rubymar as it traversed the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
The Rubymar, en route from Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates to Bulgaria, sustained extensive damage from multiple missiles launched by the Iran-aligned Houthi group. Consequently, the crew evacuated the vessel, which is now anchored but reportedly taking on water, resulting in a significant 29-kilometer oil slick.
The ship was transporting over 41,000 tonnes of fertiliser at the time of the attack, raising concerns of potential environmental devastation if the cargo spills into the Red Sea. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) condemned the Houthi attacks, emphasizing their reckless disregard for the region’s ecological and economic well-being.
US officials have expressed difficulty in accessing the ship for towing operations due to the threat of further Houthi attacks and the precarious condition of the vessel. Additionally, the nature of the substance causing the oil slick remains uncertain, complicating cleanup efforts.
The Houthi rebels, vowing to continue their attacks until Israel ends its conflict in Gaza, have been disrupting trade routes in the Red Sea. This escalation has led to heightened military tensions, with the US conducting “self-defence strikes” on Houthi-controlled positions in Yemen and intercepting antiship cruise missiles aimed at the Red Sea.
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Recent Houthi strikes targeting international vessels and US warships have raised concerns about maritime security in the region. The introduction of submarine weapons and the recruitment of additional fighters further underscore the group’s aggressive stance.
Amid escalating hostilities, CENTCOM reassured its commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation and enhancing maritime security for naval and merchant vessels operating in international waters. However, the situation remains volatile, with the risk of further destabilisation in the strategically vital Red Sea region.
