News - Yemen: Minister of Transport Abdulwahab Al-Durra warned of the catastrophic repercussions of the pollution of the marine environment as a result of oil leaks from tankers loaded with fuel in the waters of Yemen.

He explained during a meeting held on Sunday that the marine environment is being polluted as a result of oil spills from tankers crossing Yemeni waters, which affects the environment and marine life.

He stressed the importance of adopting national plan to confront oil and marine pollution in general, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Minister Al-Durra referred to the huge quantities of oil and petroleum products transported by ships through the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab Strait, which requires preparation to face any environmental danger that may result from that.

He pointed to the effects of the US-Saudi aggression and blockade in disrupting marine equipment and mechanisms that needed regular maintenance, in addition to the lack of materials for dispersing oil pollution.

The Minister of Transport renewed the call for the UN to expedite the replacement of the Safer tanker, which is a bomb liable to explode at any time. Its dangers are not limited to Yemen only, but also to countries bordering the Red Sea from Djibouti to the Suez Canal.

Deputy Minister of Transport Mohammed Al-Hashemi stressed the need to work in a team spirit with the relevant authorities in facing pollution and protecting the marine environment.

He pointed out the importance of taking all necessary precautions to confront this catastrophic danger to Yemeni territorial waters.

Director of the Maritime Affairs Authority, Salah Al-Wazir, affirmed the authority's keenness to protect the marine environment from pollution through the issuance of organizing laws and deterrent measures.

Director of the Maritime Affairs Authority in Hodeidah Ebrahim Al-Mushki stressed the importance of preserving the environment and marine life, as it is an important wealth that was formed thousands of years ago.

The participants in the meeting stressed the importance of the role of international organizations in providing equipment and mechanisms for confronting oil pollution.

Over the past two decades, the marine environment in Yemen has been exposed to many environmental threats and disasters caused by oil and fuel storage tanks, through the spillage and leakage of thousands of tons of oil and mazut into Yemeni territorial waters. This led to the pollution of large areas of beaches with oil spots and black foam, and the death of large quantities of fish and marine life.

With the continuation of the US-Saudi aggression against Yemen for eight years, the beaches and seas of Yemen are exposed to more dangerous threats, which no longer enjoy any government sovereignty.

More than once, local media reported pictures documenting the unprecedented proliferation of dangerous oil and non-oil vehicles, in the complete absence of government authorities in the occupied areas.