UN Launches Fundraising To Prevent Yemen Tanker Oil Spill

The United Nations has launched a public funding drive that aims to raise $5 million towards an operation to avoid an oil spill from a decaying tanker stranded off the coast of Yemen, Reuters reports a UN official saying on Monday.

The United Nations has secured some $60 million out of $80 million needed to initially offload the Safer tanker which holds 1.1 million barrels.

David Gressly, UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, said; "We are calling on the public to help us cross the finish line to get that first $80 million in place by the end of the month.

He added that every dollar the public contributed would send a message to countries, companies and foundations that they also need to act now before it's too late.

The United Nations plan is to transfer the oil to a safe temporary vessel and then arrange long-term replacement storage. And the entire operation requires $144 million.

Saudi Arabia and the United States recently pledged $10 million each to the course.