Yemen Seeks Global Aid To Thwart Red Sea Environmental Crisis After Ship Attack

The Yemeni government on Saturday issued an urgent plea to the international community following a Houthi attack on the Rubymar, a British-owned, Belize-flagged cargo ship carrying hazardous materials through the Red Sea on February 18. The assault has raised fears of an imminent environmental disaster due to the potential leakage of fertilizer and oil. In response, Yemen has formed an emergency committee tasked with crafting a plan to mitigate the threat. The United States Central Command has reported a 29-km oil slick originating from the vessel, highlighting the risk of a significant ecological crisis in the area. The Rubymar, managed by a Lebanese firm and en route from the United Arab Emirates to Bulgaria, sustained damage but reported no crew injuries. Local environmental experts are now concerned about the impact a spill could have on the Red Sea’s delicate ecosystem. Amid increased Houthi aggression toward international shipping, the Yemeni government’s call for help underscores the critical need for a coordinated effort to prevent an environmental catastrophe.