On Monday, the Dutch cargo ship 'Minervagracht' was attacked with an explosive device in the Gulf of Aden, igniting a massive blaze as the ship drifted. Reports confirm the injury of two sailors in this assault. The ship's operator and the European Union maritime mission, Aspides, stated that a rescue mission has been launched to save the 19-member crew. This attack took place 128 nautical miles southeast of the Yemeni port of Aden.
The Amsterdam-based operator of the ship, Spliethoff, reported that when 'Minervagracht' was attacked, it was navigating international waters in the Gulf of Aden. The attack severely damaged the vessel and sparked a fire. They stated that two sailors were injured in this incident. Currently, the crew of 19 members are being airlifted to nearby vessels via helicopter.
The European Union maritime mission, Aspides, confirmed the fire on the ship following the attack that left it adrift. They added that the vessel did not request safety when it was attacked 128 nautical miles southeast of Aden port in Yemen.
The British Royal Navy agency, UKMTO, also reported that military officials notified them of an unidentified projectile targeting a ship, leading to a reported fire.
Aspides provided information revealing that the crew consists of citizens from Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Following the attack, British maritime security firm Ambrey confirmed reports of smoke near the anonymous ship. UKMTO stated that the ship's master witnessed something falling into the water from a distance.
Suspected Houthi Attack
According to available information, it remains unclear whether the attack was carried out by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Since 2023, the Houthi group has conducted multiple attacks on ships in the Red Sea, considering them linked to Israel amid the Gaza conflict, showing solidarity with Palestinians.
If confirmed, this would be their first attack on a cargo ship since September. On September 1, they targeted the Israeli-owned tanker Scarlet Ray near the Saudi Arabian Red Sea port city of Yanbu. According to Ambrey, the ship was previously targeted on September 23 while en route to Djibouti.
