Flagged by Belize, registered in the UK, and Lebanese-owned, the Rubymar was carrying fertilizer when attacked by the Houthis from Yemen. As the vessel is now taking on water, it poses environmental risks and complicates rescue efforts due to the threat of further attacks.

The strike by the Houthi rebels, who have targeted shipping lanes for months, has caused significant vessel damage. The attacked ship, aided by a coalition warship and another merchant ship, was evacuated—a rare occurrence in these incidents.

The Pentagon expressed concern about the environmental impacts due to the leaking fuel and fertilizer. Meanwhile, the US struggles to curb Houthi assaults, despite targeted strikes, with the militia's arsenal size remaining uncertain.

Recent days have seen a surge in Houthi attacks, falsely justified as being directed at Israeli-linked ships, though many vessels hit, including the US-owned and Greek-flagged M/V Sea Champion carrying grain to Yemen, have been involved in humanitarian aid.