Risk of ‘Extremely Serious’ Oil Spill Grows in Red Sea Following Attack

Fuel leaking from ship could unleash environmental disaster in vital shipping lane

Attack on oil tanker raises concerns about regional security

The risk of an "extremely serious" oil spill in the Red Sea is growing after an attack on an oil tanker on Sunday. The ship, called the Safer, is carrying more than 1 million barrels of crude oil and has been stranded off the coast of Yemen for more than five years.

The attack, which is being blamed on Houthi rebels, has caused damage to the ship's hull, resulting in fuel leaking into the sea. The Safer is now at risk of breaking apart, which could unleash a massive oil spill that would have devastating consequences for the environment and the economy of the region.

The Red Sea is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, and an oil spill would disrupt global trade and cause significant economic losses. The spill would also damage the region's fragile marine ecosystem, which is home to a variety of endangered species.

The United Nations has been working to broker a deal to allow the Safer to be inspected and repaired, but the Houthi rebels have so far refused to allow access to the ship.

The attack on the Safer is a reminder of the ongoing conflict in Yemen, which has been going on for more than seven years. The conflict has caused a humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and the attack on the Safer is a further escalation of the conflict.

What are the risks of an oil spill in the Red Sea?

• An oil spill would disrupt global trade and cause significant economic losses.
• The spill would also damage the region's fragile marine ecosystem, which is home to a variety of endangered species.
• The spill could also pose a health risk to people living in the region.

What is being done to prevent an oil spill?

• The United Nations is working to broker a deal to allow the Safer to be inspected and repaired.
• The United States has deployed a naval task force to the region to help prevent an oil spill.
• The Saudi Arabian government has also sent a team of experts to the region to help prevent an oil spill.

What can be done to help prevent an oil spill?

• Pressure the Houthi rebels to allow access to the Safer so that it can be inspected and repaired.
• Support the United Nations' efforts to broker a deal to allow the Safer to be inspected and repaired.
• Donate to organizations that are working to prevent an oil spill in the Red Sea.