Skip to main content

British Cargo Ship Sunk by Houthi Missile Poses Environmental Threat

Red Sea, March 3, 2024 - The British-owned bulk carrier Rubymar, carrying approximately 21,000 metric tons of ammonium phosphate sulfate fertilizer, has sunk in the Red Sea after being struck by a Houthi anti-ship missile on February 18, 2024.

The sinking of the Rubymar raises significant environmental concerns. Experts warn of potential harm to the Red Sea's delicate marine ecosystem due to the presence of the fertilizer, which can have detrimental effects on marine life.

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the Rubymar was attacked by an Iranian-backed Houthi missile on February 18th. Following the attack, the ship slowly took on water, ultimately leading to its sinking on March 2nd at approximately 2:15 AM.

Beyond the environmental concerns, the sinking also presents a subsurface hazard to other ships navigating the Red Sea, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

This incident has drawn international attention and raised concerns about the Houthis' growing threat to global maritime activities. The United States and its coalition partners have expressed their commitment to upholding the freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety and security of international waters for merchant shipping.

  • The Rubymar incident marks the first time a ship has been sunk by the Houthis.
  • While initial reports claimed the cargo was over 40,000 tons, official sources confirm it is approximately 21,000 tons.
  • The sinking has sparked criticism of the Houthis, with accusations of causing an ecological disaster and further harming the struggling Yemeni population.

This incident highlights the complex situation in the Red Sea, where ongoing conflict threatens both regional stability and the vital maritime trade routes that support global commerce.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Distress Alert: Sailing Vessel Kiliki Overdue and in Need of Assistance

UPDATE:  The crew members were rescued.
  On the night of March 6, 2025, at 22:16 UTC, a crew member of the merchant vessel MV Ariadne fell overboard in the central Adriatic Sea, approximately 30 nautical miles off the Italian coast, at latitude 41°39'N and longitude 16°50'E. Current weather conditions in the area are favorable, aiding search and rescue operations. The Italian Coast Guard promptly initiated search operations, deploying naval units and helicopters to locate the missing mariner. All vessels transiting the area have been alerted and are requested to maintain vigilant watch, reporting any sightings to the National Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (IMRCC) in Rome. The Coast Guard commander emphasized the importance of collaboration among maritime units in emergencies like this, noting that swift intervention is crucial to increasing the chances of successful rescue operations. Search efforts will continue unabated until the missing mariner is found or until authorities deem it necessary to conclude ...

PAN-PAN Alert: Sailing Vessel SKYFALL Requests Assistance in South Atlantic

February 28, 2025 – A PAN-PAN distress message has been issued for the sailing vessel Skyfall (MMSI: 235099478), a 13-meter sailing yacht flying the United Kingdom flag. The vessel is experiencing critical rigging issues and is at risk of losing its mast. The crew has requested urgent assistance. Distress Details Message Received: February 25, 2025, at 05:57 UTC Vessel Name: Skyfall (Call Sign: 2GPT6) Position: 22° 22' 26.4" S, 001° 31' 42.0" W Crew Onboard: 2 persons Issue: Loose rigging, expected mast loss Assistance Required: Additional diesel jerry cans from nearby vessels Weather Conditions in the Area Wind: 15 knots, gusting to 19 knots from ESE Wave Height: 1.9 meters Sky Conditions: Mostly clear to partly cloudy Call for Assistance Any vessels in the vicinity are strongly encouraged to assist. Skyfall requires extra fuel to maintain power and stability as the crew deals with their rigging failure. Mariners able to provide aid should report to ...