Spliethoff reports that on 29 September, 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. The ship is now suffering from a fire and adrift.
The Minervagracht is a 142.1-metre general cargo vessel that sails under the Dutch flag. According to MarineTraffic, it was en route to Mumbai, India, after having left Djibouti. At the time of the attack, the vessel was sailing 128 nautical miles southeast of the port of Aden, Yemen. Spliethoff said that the vessel is not carrying any cargo.
Although the attack has not been confirmed to have been committed by Houthis, this does seem likely as this is the only group currently attacking merchant ships in this area. While Spliethoff refers to ‘an unidentified explosive device’, British maritime organisation UKMTO speaks of ‘a projectile’.
The ship had not asked for protection of EU mission Aspides, reports EUNAVFOR Aspides. This mission is active in the area to protect merchant ships from attacks.
UPDATE 1 OCTOBER: Spliethoff has confirmed that the Houthis have claimed responsibility of the attack on the Minervagracht.
Also read: VIDEO: Naval vessel thwarts drone attack in Gulf of Aden
Crew being evacuated, two injured
According to EUNAVFOR, they received an urgent distress request from the vessel’s master, after which they initiated an immediate response to save all nineteen crew members (Russian, Ukraine, Philippines, Sri Lanka) among which are two seriously wounded.
Today, 30 September, Spliethoff reports that all crew members have been evacuated by helicopter to nearby vessels. The two injured seafarers are receiving first medical aid on board of these ships. The extent of their injuries is yet unknown. Spliethoff is currently in the process of contacting the next of kin of the Minerva seafarers and is engaging with international authorities and specialists to safeguard and secure the vessel.
Navigational hazard
According to EUNAVFOR, MV Minervagracht now represents a navigational hazard. It is essential that everyone in the area exercises caution and refrains from any actions that could lead to a deterioration of the current situation.
EUNAVFOR Aspides, in coordination with European and regional authorities, is continuously assessing the situation and stands ready to facilitate any courses of action. Successful mitigation will require close coordination and active participation of all regional states.
Also read: 13% of seaborne trade under attack from Houthis and Somali pirates
Previous attack
According to British maritime intelligence company Ambrey, the same cargo ship was also targeted in an attack last Tuesday, when an explosion was recorded in the vicinity. The ship was en route to Djibouti at the time.
Picture: Minervagracht (photo by Spliethoff).
Also read: Spliethoff orders largest vessels to date
