The Rubymar, a British ship attacked by the Houthis in the Red Sea last month, sank on Saturday, March 2, 2024, the Yemeni government said, warning of a “environmental disaster” because of the shipload that was transporting fertilizer.
If confirmed, it would be the first boat sunk since the Houthis began targeting commercial shipping in November, forcing shipping companies to divert ships to the longer and more expensive route that bypasses Africa.
Britain's Maritime Trade Operations Agency (UKMTO) reported the sinking of a ship on Saturday but did not identify it. The crew was evacuated in time.
Ask for help for Gaza
A senior Houthi leader said Saturday he blamed British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government for the Rubymar's sinking but could refloat the bulk carrier “by allowing aid trucks to enter the Gaza Strip”.
The Iran-backed Houthis, who control northern Yemen and other major centers, say they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.