UK and Netherlands Lead Charge to Stop Yemen Oil Spill Disaster
The UK and the Netherlands have teamed up with the United Nations to kick-start a vital operation preventing a catastrophic oil spill from the decaying FSO Safer tanker off Yemen’s coast.
£6 Million Raised to Avert a £16 Billion Crisis
At an international virtual conference, nations, companies, and organisations came together to raise over £6 million. This adds to the £80 million already pledged by 20+ countries and private donors, enabling the UN to begin removing more than one million barrels of oil from the tanker onto a safer vessel.
Left unmaintained since 2015, the tanker poses an urgent threat. An explosion or leak could unleash a devastating spill into the Red Sea, threatening marine life, worsening Yemen’s humanitarian nightmare, and disrupting 10% of global trade—costing billions daily.
UK Pledges Extra £2.5 Million
UK Minister for Development Andrew Mitchell confirmed an additional £2.5 million from the UK, pushing its commitment to £8 million.
“This conference has made vital progress towards avoiding an environmental, economic and humanitarian catastrophe on a massive scale,” said Mitchell. “The Safer tanker is at real risk of leaking. I am proud of the UK’s leadership on this crisis and we now look to the UN to begin the emergency operation as soon as possible.”
Dutch Minister Calls for Global Action
Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Liesje Schreinemacher added: “The international community has a unique opportunity to stave off disaster. Let’s demonstrate our commitment to protecting people and the planet.”
The UN and its partners are urging governments and the private sector to join forces to secure the remaining funds needed for a long-term fix to this ticking environmental time bomb.
