Sinking of Rubymar After Houthi Attack Threatens Major Environmental Crisis in Red Sea

The incident could impact marine life, coral reefs, and the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands, as authorities scramble to contain the damage.

A Houthi missile attack on the Belize-flagged, Lebanese-operated Rubymar has led to its sinking, carrying 21,000 metric tons of ammonium phosphate sulfate fertilizer.
The sinking poses severe environmental risks to the Red Sea, threatening marine life, coral reefs, and the livelihoods of up to half a million people dependent on fishing.
Efforts to tow the vessel failed after port authorities in Aden, Djibouti, and Saudi Arabia refused it due to fears of an environmental disaster.
UN experts and Yemeni authorities are mobilizing to assess and contain the potential environmental crisis, with concerns over water contamination and damage to marine ecosystems.
The incident marks the first ship sinking since the Houthi's Red Sea campaign began, raising concerns over Red Sea navigation and the broader impact on global trade.