What happened to the MV Minervagracht?
The Dutch-flagged cargo ship MV Minervagracht was attacked yesterday in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen. While en route from Djibouti, the vessel was struck by an explosive device, causing a fire that rapidly took hold on board. By today, the ship remains burning and is drifting without steering control in busy lanes used by merchant ships transiting the southern approaches to the Red Sea and the Suez Canal corridor.
Evacuation and current status
19 crew members were evacuated by helicopter during the crisis. The majority were subsequently picked up by two nearby vessels — one French-flagged and one Greek-flagged — which are assisting the MV Minervagracht as it rides an anchorless drift. One injured crew member was transported to Djibouti for medical treatment. The European protection mission confirmed there were no Dutch nationals among the crew, with personnel on board hailing from Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. The vessel owner reports significant damage to the hull and superstructure, complicating any immediate salvage plan.
Who attacked the ship and why
At this stage, responsibility for the attack remains unconfirmed. In the maritime security environment around the Bab el Mandeb strait and Gulf of Aden, ships have repeatedly been targeted in recent years. In this instance, the attack is being examined against a backdrop of ongoing regional tensions and a history of Houthi rebel actions in the area. Houthi forces have previously claimed or been suspected of striking commercial vessels in solidarity with Palestinian causes, leading to heightened vigilance among ship owners and naval authorities. The incident drew a statement from demissionary foreign minister Van Weel, who condemned such acts as unacceptable and said they would be monitored closely by European and international authorities. The investigation is expected to involve flag states, the shipping company, and regional naval forces as investigators look for leads and determine who was responsible.
The broader context for maritime security
Attacks like the one on MV Minervagracht illustrate the ongoing risk profile for international shipping through the Gulf of Aden and adjacent pathways. The region hosts multiday voyages and heavy traffic, making vulnerability assessments and rapid response crucial. The involvement of foreign-flag rescue vessels underscores how international cooperation is essential in responding to emergencies at sea. There is growing attention on how to improve protection for crews and ships in high-risk corridors, including measures such as enhanced convoy systems, naval escorts, and improved tracking and communication between shipping companies and regional authorities.
What happens next?
Salvage teams will need to assess the hull integrity, fuel status, and internal safety conditions before any attempt to move or tow the MV Minervagracht. Officials will coordinate with the shipowner, flag states, and maritime authorities to chart a salvage plan that minimizes environmental risk and ensures the crew remains safe. The international community will also monitor the incident for any potential escalation and will likely discuss preventive steps to deter future attacks and safeguard critical trade routes in a volatile region.
