What happened
The Dutch cargo vessel MV Minerva was struck by an explosive yesterday in the Gulf of Aden near Yemen. The attack left the ship heavily damaged and burning, and it is currently adrift without steerage. Initial reports indicate that two crew members were injured in the incident, while the majority of the crew avoided serious harm after being evacuated from the ship.
According to the European maritime protection mission operating in the area, the 19-strong crew was evacuated by helicopter to nearby vessels and is now being cared for on anchored support ships. The owner described the damage as significant, and authorities are assessing options to secure the vessel and prevent a broader spill or collision with other vessels in the busy shipping lane.
Current status and rescue efforts
Two ships operating nearby, one French-flagged and one Greek-flagged, assisted in the rescue of the crew. Most of the crew members were taken aboard these ships, where they are being provided with medical attention and basic necessities. One of the injured crew members has been transported to Djibouti for treatment. Notably, there were no Dutch nationals among the crew on board the MV Minerva at the time of the attack.
The European protection mission confirmed that personnel from several countries were represented among the ship’s crew, with sailors reported from Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. The multinational nature of the crew mirrors the global nature of today’s merchant fleet. The situation remains dynamic as rescue organizations and shipowners coordinate to determine the safest salvage plan.
Who attacked and why
There has been no confirmed claim of responsibility for the attack on the MV Minerva. In the broader Red Sea–Gulf of Aden region, Houthi rebels have previously targeted commercial vessels in solidarity with political causes in the area, including Palestinians. While such incidents underscore the fragility of maritime routes, it is not yet clear whether the Minerva attack was carried out by the Houthis or another actor. Regional observers expect investigators to examine satellite data, radar traces, and witness statements to identify the perpetrator and to determine whether the vessel was targeted directly or as part of a broader pattern of maritime disruption.
International response and next steps
Netherlands’ foreign affairs apparatus has indicated concern, with a demissionary foreign minister stressing that unacceptable attacks on maritime shipping will be monitored closely. In the immediate term, the focus is on securing the MV Minerva, preventing any spill from the vessel, and ensuring the safe return of the evacuees to their home countries or to safer ports for medical and logistical support.
Insurance and salvage teams are coordinating with the shipowner and the local authorities to determine the best salvage approach. Given the seas’ busy traffic and the vulnerability of stranded vessels in the region, authorities are likely to consider deploying additional naval assets and deploying temporary exclusion zones if necessary to guarantee safety for navigation in the Gulf of Aden.
What this means for shipping security
The attack highlights ongoing risks to international commerce in one of the world’s busiest sea corridors. Maritime security experts emphasize the need for enhanced tracking, coordinated naval patrols, and rapid evacuation procedures for crews when incidents occur. For stakeholders in the shipping industry, the MV Minerva incident underlines the importance of robust contingency planning, robust insurance cover, and information-sharing among flag states, port authorities, and commercial operators to mitigate the fallout from such events.
