A Netherlands-flagged general cargo vessel, the Minervagracht, sustained substantial damage after being struck by an unidentified explosive device in international waters of the Gulf of Aden on September 29. The impact triggered an onboard fire and forced the evacuation of crew via helicopter, with two of the 19 crew members sustaining injuries.
The condition of the injured seafarers has not yet been confirmed, though they are receiving medical assistance aboard nearby vessels. The incident highlights growing risks to merchant shipping in the region, especially as the same vessel had been targeted just days earlier by missile fire.
The French Maritime Information, Cooperation & Awareness Centre (MICA Centre) reported that the attack occurred around 12:50 UTC, approximately 128 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen. The ship, built in 2011, is a general cargo carrier with a deadweight of about 12,200 tons. A naval warship has been deployed to provide support.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) monitoring service confirmed that the vessel was hit by an “unknown projectile” and subsequently caught fire. The name of the vessel was not disclosed in its advisory.
This marks the second incident involving the Minervagracht within a week. On September 23, the vessel was targeted by missile fire that landed nearby without making direct contact. Maritime authorities have linked the attacks to Houthi rebels, though no official claim of responsibility has been issued regarding the latest strike.
The crew onboard consists of nationals from Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. All 19 seafarers have since been safely rescued under the coordination of European naval operations. The shipowner Spliethoff and relevant maritime authorities are closely monitoring developments while reinforcing safety protocols in the region.
