Dutch Cargo Ship Minervagracht Set Ablaze in Gulf of Aden After Suspected Houthi Missile Attack

Dutch Cargo Ship Engulfed in Flames Following Gulf of Aden Attack

The MV Minervagracht, a Dutch-flagged general cargo ship operated by Amsterdam-based Spliethoff, was set ablaze on Monday, September 29, 2025, after being struck by a suspected missile in the Gulf of Aden. The incident, which occurred approximately 128 nautical miles (237 kilometers) southeast of Yemen's port city of Aden, resulted in injuries to two crew members and left the vessel significantly damaged and adrift.

The attack, widely attributed to Yemen's Houthi rebels, marks a serious escalation in maritime threats in the vital shipping lane. The EU Naval Force Operation ASPIDES confirmed the incident and initiated a rescue operation for the ship's 19 crew members.

Details of the Attack and Casualties

According to reports, the Minervagracht was hit by what Spliethoff described as an 'unidentified explosive device,' causing substantial damage and igniting a fire on board. The attack took place around 1 PM UTC or 2 PM local time (1100 GMT). Of the 19 crew members, who are nationals of Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka, two sustained injuries. One of the injured was reportedly 'severely wounded' and airlifted to Djibouti for medical care. All crew members were evacuated by helicopter to nearby vessels.

Maritime security expert Martin Kelly, Head of Advisory at EOS Risk Group, stated that the vessel was 'hit in GOA by at least one Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM)' with a 'serious fire reported on board.'

Houthi Involvement and Regional Context

While the Houthi rebels did not immediately claim responsibility for this specific attack, the French military's Maritime Information, Cooperation and Awareness Centre (MICA Centre) identified them as the perpetrators. The incident aligns with a pattern of attacks by the Iran-aligned group on commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since late 2023, which they claim are in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Notably, this is the second time the Minervagracht has been targeted within a week. A previous unsuccessful attempt occurred on September 23, when a projectile landed approximately two nautical miles from the vessel in the Gulf of Aden. Despite Houthi claims of targeting ships with Israeli affiliations, the U.S. Navy-overseen Joint Maritime Information Center stated that the Minervagracht had 'no Israeli affiliations.'

Navigational Hazard and International Response

Following the attack, the Minervagracht was left 'on fire and adrift,' posing a significant navigational hazard in the busy shipping lane. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES issued a warning, urging all vessels in the area to exercise caution. The vessel's operator, Spliethoff, expressed 'great concern over the safety of the crew and the incident in general.' The ongoing attacks have severely disrupted global trade routes, impacting the flow of goods through the region.