A harrowing account of the near-tragic sinking of the Rubymar cargo ship, attacked by missiles in the volatile Red Sea, showcases the mounting dangers faced by global commerce and the intricate interplay between regional conflict and international security.
Chief Mate Mahmoud Gwealy awoke to a jarring crash, his laptop tumbling on his chest. The news coming from the bridge was unsettling – the Rubymar, a British-owned bulk carrier, had been struck by a missile in the engine room, setting off alarms and sending the crew scrambling for answers.
The ship, flying under the Belizean flag, was en route from Saudi Arabia to Bulgaria, navigating the perilous waters off Yemen, where Houthi rebels were waging a relentless campaign against Saudi Arabia, often targeting commercial vessels. Months earlier, Gwealy had witnessed the chilling reality of war while working on a ship in Ukraine, dodging Russian airstrikes. Now, he confronted a similar threat, the fate of his crew and the 21,000 tons of fertilizer onboard hanging in the balance.
The global shipping landscape has become increasingly fraught with danger. From the treacherous waters of the Black Sea where Russian warships and Ukrainian mines pose a constant threat, to the contested South China Sea where Chinese Coast Guard vessels harass Filipino fishing boats, the safety of seafarers and the smooth flow of global trade are under constant pressure.
However, the Red Sea, a vital artery connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, presents a particularly acute challenge. Houthi rebels, emboldened by Iranian backing, have launched a series of missile attacks against commercial ships in the narrow Strait of Bab-el-Mandeb, aiming to disrupt international trade and pressure their adversaries.
In response, the U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian has deployed a flotilla of warships to provide security in the Red Sea. However, these efforts come at a significant cost, with the U.S. Navy depleting its missile stocks and shipping companies forced to choose between costly detours and the risk of navigating through contested waters.
The Rubymar's journey became a test case for global efforts to secure vital trade routes. The crew, interviewed for this article, recounted their harrowing ordeal, from the initial attack to the desperate decision to abandon ship and the eventual rescue by another vessel.
Though the crew was ultimately saved, the incident highlights the precariousness of global trade routes and the need for a comprehensive international solution to address the security concerns in the region. The escalating conflict in Yemen threatens not only the lives of sailors but also the stability of the global economy, urging global leaders to find common ground and ensure safe passage for the ships that keep the world connected.
