It’s the first time the Houthis have sunk a ship since the group began its offensive—and it’s sparking environmental concerns.
Topline
A Belize-flagged ship sunk in the Red Sea nearly two weeks after Houthi rebels attacked it, the Yemeni government confirmed Saturday, marking the first time the Houthis have sunk a cargo ship in its recent string of attacks, and prompting environmental concerns due to the ship’s cargo of fertilizer.Key Facts
The Houthis attacked the Rubymar ship off the coast of Yemen on Feb. 18, causing “catastrophic damages,” according to a spokesperson for the militant group—the crew abandoned ship and was reported safe.
The ship remained anchored while taking on water for nearly two weeks, reportedly awaiting towing that never came.
The attack had left an 18-mile oil slick and the ship was carrying 41,000 tons of fertilizer, “which could spill into the Red Sea and worsen this environmental disaster,” U.
