Dutch general cargo ship hit by explosive device raises safety concerns in Gulf of Aden

The Netherlands-flagged general cargo vessel Minervagracht sustained “substantial damage” after being hit by an unidentified explosive device in international waters of the Gulf of Aden, Amsterdam-based shipowner Spliethoff said in its report on Monday, September 29.  

The attack caused a fire on board and injured two of the 19 crew, who were evacuated to nearby vessels by helicopter.

“The two injured seafarers are receiving first medical aid on board of these ships. The extent of their injuries is yet unknown. The company is currently in the process of contacting the next of kin of the Minerva seafarers,” Spliethoff said in its statement.

The attack hit the ship, which had been targeted in a failed assault last week by the Houthis, according to the Maritime Information Cooperation & Awareness Center (MICA Center), the French center for analysis and assessment of the global maritime security situation.

“At this time, the vessel has been reported to be on fire,” the centre said. A “warship is heading to the scene.”

The French MICA Center, which identified the Houthis as carrying out the attack, didn’t disclose the name of the ship in its post on X.

At about 12:50 UTC on September 29, MSCIO/MICA received a report of a missile attack from Houthis against a merchant ship about 128 nautical miles south-east of Aden, Yemen. A distress call has been sent.

The ship had already been targeted by Houthis on September 23 with a missile which splashed close to her, MICA Center noted in a post on X.

The Iranian-backed Houthis have not claimed the assault, though it can take them hours or days to acknowledge their attacks.

It wasn’t clear if the Houthis targeted the 12,232-dwt (2011-built) ship.

According to EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES, all 19 crew members, Russian, Ukrainian, Filipino, and Sri Lankan, are rescued.

Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said that a vessel had been hit “by an unknown projectile” and was “reported to be on fire,” citing reports from military authorities.

UKMTO didn’t disclose the name of the ship in its report.

UKMTO is a voluntary reporting scheme (VRS) for the Indian Ocean, specifically Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Arabian Sea, which details escalating tensions in the Middle East with direct impact on mariners.

The incident is under development and updates will be provided when further information becomes available.

Spliethoff Statement About Minervagracht

“Spliethoff report that earlier today its general cargo vessel Minervagracht that was on passage in the Gulf of Aden (in international waters) has come under attack of an unidentified explosive device inflicting substantial damage to the ship. Following the attack Minervagracht is suffering from a fire. As a result, two of the crew of Minervagracht have sustained injuries.

“Currently the crew of 19 are being evacuated to nearby vessels by helicopter. The two injured seafarers are receiving first medical aid on board of these ships. The extent of their injuries is yet unknown. The company is currently in the process of contacting the next of kin of the Minerva seafarers.

“Spliethoff has meanwhile informed all relevant authorities and parties.

“Spliethoff would like to express its great concern over the safety of the crew and the incident in general.

“More information will follow once available.”