IMO Urges Immediate Action To Aid Clean-Up Efforts In Yemen After Rubymar Sinking

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has made an urgent request for in-kind contributions of oil spill response equipment, including a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV), to help the Republic of Yemen clean up after the sinking of the MV Rubymar.

The Belize-flagged bulk carrier, carrying 32,200 deadweight tons (dwt), sank near Yemen’s coast in March 2024 after Houthi forces launched a missile strike on February 18.

The MV Rubymar, attacked and abandoned in the Red Sea, was transporting nearly 41,000 tons of ammonium phosphate-sulfate fertilizer, 200 tonnes of heavy fuel oil, and 80 tonnes of marine diesel.

The resulting oil slick reached 29 kilometres, posing a serious environmental danger, particularly to the ecologically diverse Hanish Islands.

The vessel sank in about 100 meters of water, and the IMO warns that the remaining bunker fuel and fertilizer cargo pose persistent threats.

The IMO’s request for equipment seeks to strengthen Yemen’s inadequate spill response capabilities.

ROVs, shovelhead skimmers, cleaning nozzles, towing bridles, anchoring equipment, and personal protective equipment are among the essentials sought.

The issue’s urgency reminds us of earlier environmental catastrophes, such as the FSO Safer incident, which necessitated a complex multinational effort to transfer more than 1.1 million barrels of oil to avoid ecological damage.

Video Credits: Reuters/YouTube

The Rubymar incident is the first confirmed sinking of a vessel caused by Houthi attacks since late 2023.

Another vessel, the Tutor, sank after a Houthi attack, while at least two more were seriously damaged but remained afloat.

Furthermore, a small tanker sank in the Gulf of Aden owing to technical issues that were unrelated to Houthi actions.

Previously, the IMO raised environmental concerns in the region during the salvage of the FSO Safer, emphasizing the difficulties of resolving such hazards amid ongoing conflict.

Recognizing the urgent need for specialized equipment to deal with possible leaks from the MV Rubymar, the IMO’s request emphasizes the crucial need for worldwide cooperation.

The maritime community’s response to this plea could be crucial in conserving Yemen’s marine environment and avoiding additional ecological damage.

Reference: Safety4Sea