Last Monday 19th February,2024 the Houthi fighters claimed to have sunk the bulk carrier RUBYMAR. It would have been the most significant incident since attacks on ships began in November.
The Houthis had earlier said the vessel was in danger of sinking after claiming the attack that took place in the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb late Sunday and forced the crew of 24, including four guards, to abandon ship. No injuries were reported, and the crew have since been safely transported to Djibouti. Despite several confusing videos on social media of the vessel sinking, the latest images taken of the 1997 Japanese built bulker RUBYMAR, shows that she’s still afloat but well down by the stern after suffering a strike near the engine room.
The attack (one missile had hit the side of the ship near her engine room and she was listing, second missile hit the vessel’s deck) .and damage inflicted on the 32,200 dwt ship with 41,000 tonnes of fertilizer on board is so far the most serious incident of the escalating Red Sea conflict.
She’s owned by UK-registered Golden Adventure Shipping and managed by Lebanon-based Blue Fleet Group.
Her operators are trying to tow the ship to Djibouti. It is unclear whether the vessel can be fully salvaged given the damage done.
But Houthi claims to have sunk it on Monday appear to be incorrect.
The Houthis say their attacks are a show of support for the Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The attacks have prompted many shipping companies to stop using the critical waterway, which accounts for about 12% of global seaborne trade.
