The UK-registered Rubymar cargo vessel appears to be drifting north as new video shows it barely afloat after a Houthi attack.
Satellite images and locations shared by authorities reveal its movements in the Red Sea over the past nine days.
The Belize-flagged ship Rubymar was hit by a Houthi missile in the Bab al Mandeb Strait on Sunday 18 February.
Its last transmitted position was on the day of the attack. Since then, it has moved around 70 kilometres north.
Map shows the Rubymar’s locations over the past nine days
A navigational warning to other ships in the area says the Rubymar is unmanned and drifting. The warning also says it is unlit.
The ship’s owner Blue Fleet Group told Sky News the US Navy has offered to help tow the vessel to the nearest port that would accept it, but added that negotiations are ongoing.
The Belize-flagged ship Rubymar was hit by a Houthi missile in the Bab al Mandeb Strait. Pic: Al-Joumhouriya TV
The Rubymar is carrying 22,000 tonnes of fertiliser that is believed to be volatile.
The chief executive of Blue Fleet Group Roy Khoury said on Monday there is a “small fuel leakage” which they are attempting to fix before towing it.
Read more:
Who are the Houthis attacking ships in the Red Sea?
Are the attacks having an impact on prices of goods?
A satellite image taken on Monday by Planet Labs shows the Rubymar is still partially afloat in the Red Sea
The group is looking at bringing in a work ship that will attempt to close the hole caused by the Houthi missile, Khoury added.
The 24 crew members were forced to abandon the ship on the day of the attack. The crew were from Syria, Egypt, India and the Philippines. They were rescued by the Djibouti Port Authority
The Houthis claimed last week that they had sunk the boat.
The ship’s owner says they are trying to contract a tug boat to tow the stricken vessel to a safe port. Pic: Al-Joumhouriya TV
US, UK and other allies have been carrying out air strikes on Houthi military targets across Yemen over the past month.
The counter-attacks have not appeared to diminish the fighters’ campaign against shipping in the region, which they say is to show support for the Palestinians over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
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Any ideas on why the Houthi’s attacked the UK ship? Is there any geopolitical context to this event?
I find it hard to believe that the US Navy is genuinely offering help. They probably just want to take credit for the rescue.
Wow, the UK ship just couldn’t wait to take a swim in the Red Sea, huh?
I wonder if the crabs had a party inside the ship while it was sinking.
The Houthi’s have been targeting Saudi Arabia for years now. This attack on the UK ship could be seen as an escalation of their campaign.
This is outrageous! The Houthi’s need to be stopped. They’re a threat to international shipping and security.
Ironic, isn’t it? The UK has been supporting Saudi Arabia in its war against the Houthis. Now, one of their ships has become a victim of the very conflict they’ve helped fuel.
It’s great to see the US Navy offering help in this situation. It shows that they’re committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
This incident is a reminder of the ongoing conflict in Yemen. It’s important to understand the complex geopolitical factors that have led to this situation.
I’m concerned about the safety of the crew members on the UK ship. I hope they’re able to get to safety quickly.
I don’t believe the Houthi’s are solely responsible for this attack. There’s probably more to the story than we’re being told.
Well, at least the fish in the Red Sea will have a new toy to play with.
I wonder if the ship’s captain tried to parallel park it in the Red Sea or something?
I hope the UK government is doing everything they can to secure the release of the crew members. This is a very worrying situation.
I’m sure the crew members will be fine. The UK Navy is one of the best in the world, and they’re sure to do everything they can to rescue their comrades.