Saudi Arabia has offered to donate $10 million to combat the threat posed by the oil tanker Safer off the coast of Yemen, the government aid agency KSRelief reported on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia has always supported the efforts of the United Nations to counter and prevent the potential economic, humanitarian and environmental threats that the oil tanker may cause, KSRelief said.
An oil spill could cause a major environmental and navigational catastrophe that threatens the Red Sea coast, fishing communities, international shipping and the delivery of food and fuel, as well as relief cargo to Yemen, KSRelief warned.
This will exacerbate the humanitarian situation and create a threat to countries bordering the Red Sea, the aid agency said.
Saudi Arabia warned that in the event of an oil leak from the Safer tanker, which holds more than one million barrels and has not been repaired since 2015, the world will witness the largest environmental disaster that threatens underwater life, fisheries and biodiversity as a result of the oil spill.
The decaying ship is believed to hold about 1.14 million barrels on board, and it was left to rust for six years during the civil war in Yemen after it was converted into a floating storage facility.
The need to intensify collective action to protect the oceans was emphasized during the celebration of United Nations World Oceans Day on June 8, KSRelief said in a statement.
«The oceans are one of the main sources of food and the greatest ally in the face of climate change, and the Kingdom is monitoring international developments in this regard as part of preserving vital marine resources and ecosystems,» the statement said.
According to KSRelief, several meetings and discussions have been held with the international community to support the rescue plan for the Safer tanker and to support UN efforts to find an appropriate plan to neutralize the potential danger.
Saudi Arabia also called on the UN to take the necessary measures to prevent an oil leak and to transport it to a safe place.