Red Sea crisis poses direct threat to maritime security and environment - IMO

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called the ongoing aggression in the Red Sea a significant threat to global maritime security and the environment.

PHOTO: NYK Line-chartered Galaxy Leader vessel. FleetMon

The recent sinking of M/V RUBYMAR, a Belize-flagged and UK-registered bulk carrier, that was attacked by Houthi militants off Yemen’s coast on 18 February, “represents an additional risk for the environment and maritime security,” IMO’s Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said.

“We are in contact with the Government of Yemen and other UN organizations to provide necessary assistance,” Dominguez added.

The vessel was hit by a ballistic anti-ship missile while it was en route from Khor Fakkan to Varna in Bulgaria. It was carrying about 21,000 mt of ammonium phosphate sulfate fertilizer, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

“As the ship sinks it also presents a subsurface impact risk to other ships transiting the busy shipping lanes of the waterway,” US CENTCOM said.

The IMO also called for the release of Japanese shipping company Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) Line-chartered pure car and truck carrier (PCTC), Galaxy Leader, along with its 25-member crew held by the Iran-backed rebel group.

By Aparupa Mazumder 

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online