The sinking of the Rubymar in the Red Sea, due to a Houthi missile attack, raises significant environmental concerns with the potential for severe pollution from fertiliser and fuel onboard. Additionally, the severing of underwater data cables by the Houthis has disrupted global internet services, highlighting the strategic vulnerability of international telecommunications.
The sinking of the ship Rubymar in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen, following a Houthi missile attack, has sparked environmental concerns due to the significant quantity of ammonium phosphate sulphate fertiliser and fuel onboard. The incident, which resulted in substantial hull damage, has posed a dual threat of pollution, endangering marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities. Acknowledged by Abdulsalam al-Jaabi of Yemen’s environmental protection agency, there are fears of the harmful effects on marine life and coral reefs, with potential severe economic impacts on the area. Despite attempts to tow the vessel to safety, ports in Aden, Djibouti, and Saudi Arabia have declined reception, citing environmental fears. The issue highlights the urgent need for a collective response to mitigate environmental damage.
Concurrently, three underwater data cables in the Red Sea were severed, an event attributed to actions by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, impacting global internet and telecommunications, with a 25% traffic flow disruption in the region. Despite the Houthis denying their intention to target these cables, the incident has underscored the critical security concerns for international communications and shipping routes through the Red Sea. Companies, including Tata Communications, are endeavoring to reroute affected traffic in the wake of these developments.
The situations have brought to light the complexities of ship nationality and ownership in international waters, especially with the Houthis implicating vessels associated with countries such as Israel, the UK, and the US in their attacks. The Rubymar, despite its diverse international links – flagged by Belize, managed by a company in Beirut with a Syrian crew, and linked to the UK through a Marshall Islands-registered company – underscores the murky waters of ship registration and ownership. This has heightened concerns among shipowners and the maritime industry about transparency and the need for clarity on the issue of ship nationality, especially amid increasing risks in regions like the Arabian Sea.
