One of the injured crew members of Netherlands-flagged general cargo vessel Minervagracht, which was attacked by Yemen’s Houthis, in international waters of the Gulf of Aden on September 29, died from his injuries, Amsterdam-based shipowner Spliethoff said on Monday.
Spliethoff extended its condolences to the family of the seafarer and said it was assisting the family.
“It is with great sadness that Spliethoff shares the news of the passing of one of our valued crew members of the motor vessel Minervagracht,” the company stated in an official release. “Earlier today, our colleague passed away in hospital from the critical injuries sustained during the attack on our vessel in the Gulf of Aden on 29 September. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. Our thoughts are with them as they face this unimaginable loss, and we will continue to offer all possible support during this difficult time.”
Most of the 19-crew of Minervagracht has been safely repatriated to their home countries, while one crew member remains under medical care in Djibouti. His condition is reported stable, with expectations he will be able to return home later this week.
The Netherlands minister of foreign affairs David van Weel called on the EU last week to place Yemen’s Houthis on the “EU terrorism list” and to adopt additional sanctions, after the group claimed responsibility for the attack on the general cargo ship Minervagracht.
He noted he will ensure that the Houthis are placed on the “EU terrorism list” and that the EU adopts additional sanctions. “The Houthis have long posed a serious threat to freedom of navigation. This is unacceptable. I will work to ensure that the Houthis are placed on the EU terrorism list and that the EU adopts additional sanctions. By acting together, we can most effectively protect our ships, our trade routes, and international law.”
In a televised statement, the Yemeni armed forces spokesperson Yahya Sare’e said the targeting operation took place in the Gulf of Aden with a “cruise missile.”
Spliethoff reported last week that it was engaging with international authorities and towage experts to safeguard and secure the vessel.
Following the attack, the vessel was on fire forcing the crew to abandon the general cargo vessel.
The shipowner added Minervagracht was in international waters in the Gulf of Aden when it was hit, suffering significant damage.
The vessel was sailing Eastbound from Djibouti at the time of the incident and is not carrying any cargo.
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.
The ship had already been targeted by Houthis on September 23 with a missile which splashed close to her, the French MICA Center noted in a post on X.
The incident, confirmed by the Yemeni armed forces spokesperson, escalates tensions in the region, sparking concerns over maritime security.
The Iran-backed Houthis had threatened that the military operations of the Yemeni Armed Forces will not be ceased until the blockade on the Gaza Strip is lifted.
Iran-aligned Houthis, who since 2023 have been attacking vessels in the Red Sea, said their assaults are in solidarity with Palestinians over Israel’s war in Gaza.
Spliethoff Statement on October 6
“It is with great sadness that Spliethoff shares the news of the passing of one of our valued crew members of the motor vessel Minervagracht. Earlier today, our colleague passed away in hospital from the critical injuries sustained during the attack on our vessel in the Gulf of Aden on 29 September.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. Our thoughts are with them as they face this unimaginable loss, and we will continue to offer all possible support during this difficult time.
“The events of last week have left a profound impact on everyone at Spliethoff. Today’s news has deeply saddened everyone at the company, as we mourn the loss of a respected and valued seafarer.
“Most of the crew of Minervagracht have now been safely repatriated to their home countries. One crew member remains under medical care in Djibouti; his condition is stable, and we expect he will be able to return home later this week.
“Finally, we wish to express our sincere appreciation to the crew, and their families for the strength and resilience they have shown throughout this ordeal. We are thankful to the authorities and all those who assisted in the rescue and repatriation of our crew.”
