In a significant development, a ship targeted by Yemen’s Houthi rebels has sunk in the Red Sea after days of taking on water. This incident marks the first time that the Yemeni rebels have destroyed a vessel as part of their campaign against Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip.
The Rubymar’s Fate
The Belize-flagged cargo ship, Rubymar, had been drifting northward after being struck by a Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile on February 18 in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This crucial waterway links the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The Rubymar had been abandoned for 12 days following the attack, although plans were in place to try and tow the ship to a safe port.
Impact on Global Shipping
The sinking of the Rubymar has broader implications. Shipping through the Red Sea, a vital route for cargo and energy shipments moving from Asia and the Middle East to Europe has already been affected by Houthi attacks. Many vessels have turned away from the route due to safety concerns. With the Rubymar’s sinking, we may see further detours and higher insurance rates imposed on ships navigating this waterway. This could potentially drive up global inflation and impact aid shipments to the region.
Ecological Concerns
The U.S. military’s Central Command had previously warned that the vessel’s cargo of fertilizer, along with fuel leaking from the ship, could cause ecological damage to the Red Sea. The sinking of the Rubymar exacerbates these concerns. Ahmed Awad Bin Mubarak, the prime minister of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, called it “an unprecedented environmental disaster.” The situation highlights the delicate balance between maritime commerce and environmental preservation.
Houthi Campaign and Yemen’s Struggle
The Iran-backed Houthis have held Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, since 2014, expelling the government. Their ongoing conflict with a Saudi-led coalition has resulted in a stalemated war. The Rubymar’s sinking underscores the toll this conflict takes on both human lives and the environment.
What is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait?
The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, commonly known as the “Gate of Lamentation” or “Gate of Tears,” is a tiny canal that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and, ultimately, the Indian Ocean. It is situated between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Djibouti and Eritrea on the Horn of Africa. Here are some important details concerning this strategically critical strait:
The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is about 26 kilometers (14 nautical miles) wide at its narrowest point. It extends from Ras Menheli in Yemen to Ras Siyyan in Djibouti. The island of Perim divides the strait into two canals.
The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait serves as a crucial chokepoint, representing a narrow channel of immense importance to global energy security. A significant portion of petroleum and natural gas exports from the Persian Gulf destined for passage through either the Suez Canal or the SUMED Pipeline must navigate through this strait.
Regarding legal frameworks, vessels are obligated to traverse the territorial sea of adjacent states, yet the legal principle of transit passage governs the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. Notably, it’s essential to highlight that Eritrea, distinct from other coastal nations, has not acceded to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Who controls the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait?
The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait holds strategic importance as a vital water passage connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and, consequently, the Indian Ocean. Here are key insights into its control and significance:
Geographical Location: Situated between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula and Djibouti and Eritrea in the Horn of Africa, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait plays a crucial role in regional geography.
Control: Territorial waters surrounding the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait are jointly managed by Djibouti, Eritrea, and Yemen. Despite this, the legal principle of transit passage is applicable, granting vessels the right to traverse the strait without interference, irrespective of their origin.
Significance: Serving as a pivotal link between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is a major conduit for maritime trade. Notably, it serves as a primary route for the transportation of petroleum and natural gas exports from the Persian Gulf.
Chokepoint: Recognized as a chokepoint, the strait represents a narrow channel of paramount importance to global energy security. The majority of tankers carrying oil and gas from the Persian Gulf, en route to the Suez Canal or the SUMED Pipeline, navigate through both the Bab-el-Mandeb and the Strait of Hormuz.
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