Aden (South24) 

The Yemeni government today warned of a "major environmental catastrophe" that could result from the leakage of large amounts of ammonia and oil into the marine waters from the cargo ship Rubymar, which was targeted by the Houthis in the Gulf of Aden on Feb 18.

The government said in a statement carried by Saba Agency: “We condemn the Houthi terrorist attack against the Belize-flagged Rubymar which led to significant damage and the evacuation of the ship’s crew.”

"Preliminary information indicates that the ship is heading towards the Yemeni Hanish Islands in the Red Sea, which threatens a major environmental disaster," the statement added.

The statement indicated that Rubymar "carries large quantities of ammonia and oils." The statement called for international support to prevent the environmental catastrophe in Yemeni waters.

In a statement today, the US Central Command said the ship was anchored but slowly taking on water.“

On Feb. 18 between 9:30 p.m. and 10:40 p.m., Iran-backed Houthi terrorists attacked the M/V Rubymar, a Belize-flagged, UK-owned bulk carrier. The ship is anchored but slowly taking on water. The unprovoked and reckless attack by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists caused significant… pic.twitter.com/bU6j850wwG

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) February 24, 2024

"The unprovoked and reckless attack by Iran-backed Houthi terrorists caused significant damage to the ship, which caused an 18-mile oil slick," the statement added.

It noted that Rubymar "was transporting over 41,000 tons of fertilizer when it was attacked, which could spill into the Red Sea and worsen this environmental disaster."

“The Houthis continue to demonstrate disregard for the regional impact of their indiscriminate attacks, threatening the fishing industry, coastal communities, and imports of food supplies,” the statement added.