Cargo Ship Ruby Stranded with Ammonium Nitrate

The MV Ruby, a Russian cargo ship carrying 20,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, remains stranded off the southeast coast of England, dubbed a 'floating bomb' due to its hazardous cargo. After being denied entry to several European ports, including Denmark, Sweden, and Lithuania, the ship has been anchored for weeks, raising safety concerns given its proximity to the wreck of a WWII ship containing munitions. Damage to the Ruby's hull, rudder, and propeller has compounded fears of a potential disaster, reminiscent of the Beirut explosion in 2020. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, but the ship's operators claim that media coverage is hindering their efforts to resolve the issue. The Ruby is required to offload its cargo before any port will accept it, as it seeks a repair yard. French authorities are in contact with the ship's owner, who is cooperating and has dispatched a tugboat for assistance.