Aden (South24) 

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called on all member states and international organizations to provide in-kind contributions of oil pollution response equipment to support operations following the sinking of the cargo ship MV Rubymar off the coast of Mokha, Yemen.

In a recently published invitation for support, the IMO highlighted the sinking of the Rubymar on March 2 as a result of a Houthi missile attack on February 18, 2024, as it was carrying approximately 22,000 metric tons of phosphate-ammonium sulfate fertilizer, 200 tons of heavy fuel oil, and 80 tons of marine diesel fuel.

The IMO noted that the sinking caused an oil spill that spread over 29 kilometers in the days following the incident, which the Houthis claimed responsibility for.

The organization warned of the significant environmental threat posed by the fuel and fertilizer cargo remains on the sunken ship, particularly to the nearby Hanish Islands, a biologically rich area. Yemen’s lack of specialized equipment to address the oil spill prompted the IMO to call for international assistance in obtaining the necessary equipment.

The Yemeni government provided a list of required equipment, which includes a Fastank tank, water pumps, skimmers, and mooring systems, as well as personal protective equipment such as gloves, helmets, and life jackets.