As informed, salvage operations, which can include refloating vessels, towing and repairs, are critical to protecting marine life and coastal environments from damage from leaking fuel and hazardous cargo. Damage to the Rubymar caused a 18-mile oil slick and scientists remain concerned that a fertilizer leak could trigger devastating algal blooms in the Red Sea that damage vulnerable coral reefs and harm fish.
We’re limited in what we can do in an area that is not safe and secure.
..Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) said at a media briefing in London.
The increasing drone and missile attacks by the Houthis on commercial shipping have disrupted trade flow via the crucial Suez Canal route connecting Asia and Europe, compelling numerous vessels to opt for the longer journey around Africa. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, justify their assault on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden as a gesture of support for Palestinians in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza.
In a separate incident, a UN salvage team averted a potential catastrophic oil spill near Yemen’s coast in 2023 by transferring over 1 million barrels of light crude from the deteriorating super tanker Safer to another vessel.
