Environmental catastrophe looms as bulk carrier sinks off Yemen

The sinking of the Rubymar in the Red Sea, after a Houthi missile attack, carries the potential to unleash an environmental disaster, as 21,000 tonnes of fertiliser onboard threaten to induce algal blooms and create dead zones detrimental to marine life and coral reefs. This incident raises concerns about the impact on the Red Sea's biodiverse marine habitats, known for their rare corals and resilience to climate change. The proliferation of algae from the fertiliser could suffocate marine ecosystems by consuming oxygen and blocking sunlight, essential for coral health. With the region already under stress from warming ocean temperatures, the sinking of Rubymar could exacerbate the vulnerability of marine life and affect local fishing communities reliant on these waters.  (Reuters)