Dutch general cargo ship hit by explosive device raises safety concerns in Gulf of Aden, 2 crew members injured

The Netherlands-flagged general cargo vessel Minervagracht sustained “substantial damage” after being hit by an unidentified explosive device in international waters of the Gulf of Aden, Amsterdam-based shipowner Spliethoff said in its report on Monday, September 29.

The attack caused a fire on board and injured two of the 19 crew, who were evacuated to nearby vessels by helicopter.

“The two injured seafarers are receiving first medical aid on board of these ships. The extent of their injuries is yet unknown. The company is currently in the process of contacting the next of kin of the Minerva seafarers,” Spliethoff said in its statement.

The attack hit the ship, which had been targeted in a failed assault last week by the Houthis, according to the Maritime Information Cooperation & Awareness Center (MICA Center), the French center for analysis and assessment of the global maritime security situation.

“At this time, the vessel has been reported to be on fire,” the centre said. A “warship is heading to the scene.”

The French MICA Center, which