Dutch Cargo Ship Adrift and Ablaze After Houthi Attack in Gulf of Aden

The Dutch-flagged cargo vessel, Minervagracht, is drifting and on fire in the Gulf of Aden after coming under attack, with Yemen’s Houthi movement claiming responsibility, according to Splash247. The EU’s Operation Atalanta anti-piracy mission has confirmed response efforts are underway.

The distress call was received around 07:00 UTC on Wednesday. Images supplied to EU naval command show the ship heavily listing, with smoke and flames rising from the deck. Early assessments suggest engine and structural damage, leaving the vessel unable to maneuver.

According to ShipIntel, the vessel is now docked in Djibouti.

EU Response and Crew Status

EU naval units have been dispatched to assist, coordinating with regional coast guards for potential crew evacuation. The vessel’s exact location was reported between Obock, Djibouti and Socotra, a stretch of water increasingly targeted by drone and missile strikes. Communication with the crew has been intermittent, complicating rescue coordination. According to a statement from the owner Spliethoff, two of the crew of Minervagracht have sustained injuries.

The Houthis, who have previously targeted commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, stated that the attack was part of their campaign against vessels they claim are linked to Western or Israeli interests. Their statement has not yet been independently verified, but the timing and location align with the incident reported by EU authorities.

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